Wiggle Snake Rope Jump
Two students wiggle a long rope along the ground like a snake, and the rest of the group jumps over it without touching it. It is a classic, simple warm-up that develops jumping, timing and leg activation.
How to play
- Make two groups of 12 or 13 with one long rope each; two students crouch holding the ends about 15 feet apart (1 min).
- The holders wiggle the rope side to side along the ground like a snake, never lifting it.
- The others line up and, one at a time, jump across without touching the rope, then return along the side (2 min).
- Change the shape: small up-and-down waves, still close to the ground, jumped with feet together (2 min).
- Every minute two new students take over the rope so everyone both jumps and holds.
- Finish by crossing in pairs holding hands and jumping together (2 min).
Rules
- The rope never goes higher than ankle height.
- If the rope touches you, stay in line: no one is out.
- Wait until the student ahead has left the jumping zone.
- Holders keep both hands on the rope and never let go suddenly.
Variations
Easier
Wiggle the rope slowly or just let it shake in place.
Standard
Side-to-side snake and small waves at medium speed.
Harder
Students hop on one foot or jump twice in a row before leaving.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can be the one steering the snake, or cross over a still rope on the ground.
- Shyness: allow jumping with a buddy from the very start.
- Fitness level: adjust rope speed for each student when it is their turn.
Learning goals
- Time a jump over a moving object.
- Jump and land on two feet with control.
- Share roles within the group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- long rope: 2
Teacher tip
Long lines cool students down: with two ropes and quick starts, there is almost no waiting. Remind holders that the goal is to help their classmate succeed, not to catch them.
PatioLab has "Wiggle Snake Rope Jump" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More warm-ups for Elementary
Active Blind Man's Bluff
A dynamic version of Blind Man's Bluff in which a guide uses only their voice to lead a blindfolded partner to tag classmates moving inside a small area.
Active Corners
Each corner of the space is marked with a cone and an exercise; the teacher calls a corner and students run to it to complete the exercise.
Animal Races
Students move around the space imitating different animals: bear walks, frog jumps, crab walks, and kangaroo hops, with short races between lines.
Around the World
Different areas of the playground become continents, and students travel between them using the locomotor move the teacher calls out.
Balance Pose Challenge
Students hold balance poses alone, then in pairs and small groups with a limited number of body parts touching the floor.
Balance the Pole on Your Palm
Each student tries to balance a pole upright on the palm of the hand, first standing still and then walking, switching hands and heights.