Chinese Jump Rope/Jump Bands
 
Jumping rope is convenient and does not require a lot of space or any special equipment. It is a low-cost activity and is one of the best cardiovascular workouts for students and adults. Jumping rope is self-motivating and fun for students of all ages! Chinese jump rope is different than traditional jump rope and uses a loop of colored elastic or a jump band. Students love it just as much as regular jump rope!
What You Need:

Chinese Jump ropes
Jump bands kit
Portable tape/CD player
Music (tapes, CDs)
Skill cards

Where to Play:

Flat surface with a high ceiling or outdoors
Surface must be clear of rocks, cracks, slippery surfaces and sand

Activity Description/Steps:

  • Chinese jump ropes loop around students’ ankles/legs (see Diagram A).
  • Jump bands go around students’ ankles. Each band attaches to one person’s ankle, stretching to their partner for the other end (see Diagram B).

    Diagram A



    Diagram B

  • The rope begins at the students’ ankles with feet spread apart about shoulder width.

  • Jumper attempts to do a sequence of moves without making any mistakes.

  • If successful, the jumper repeats the same sequence with the rope at the knees.

  • After being successful with this sequence, the jumper then moves to the next level, with the rope back at the ankles.

  • The jumper’s turn continues until he/she makes a mistake. When the jumper makes an error, he/she becomes a holder and a new jumper takes a turn.

Safety:

Students must wear clothing that won’t interfere with the rope.

Shoes must be well-cushioned and have no heel.

Warm up muscles by walking/jogging in place.

Stretch the leg muscles and ankles. Rotate ankles in a circular motion while sitting. Stretch the thigh muscles by standing up, bending your knee, and pulling your ankle straight back behind you. Stretch both legs.

End jumping session with a cool-down, such as walking for 2-3 minutes.

Allow plenty of space between jumping groups.

Allow students to take small drinks of water.

Keep tape/CD player/extension cord clear of jumpers.

Monitor closely, as ropes/bands can snap and hurt someone when used carelessly (possible use as a weapon).

How To:

Activity leader distributes one Chinese jump rope (or two jump bands) per three students.

Students need approximately a 6’ x 6’ area per group.

Arrange the groups so they are all going the same direction. See diagram below.



Leader/student can demonstrate skills at a setup where everyone can see (in front or the middle of total group).

Place portable tape/CD player nearby so students can hear the music without running into the player or tripping over the cord.

Variations on the Activity:

See video clips for examples

  • Fat Mommas
  • Criss Cross
  • Tubs

Doubles: repeat all sequences but bounce twice (doubles) for each count.

Triples: repeat all sequences but bounce three times (triples) for each count.


Student Leadership:

Students can take turns leading the different skills.

Resources:

American Heart Association
www.heartsource.org
The American Heart Association sponsors events and provides activities to promote heart health. Search for “jump rope” for activities, information and more!

Awesome Jump Rope Activities Book by Mark Sutherland and Cliff Carnes
Available through: Education Company, 3949 Linus Way, Carmichael , CA 95608

Games Kids Play
www.gameskidsplay.net
This site provides rules for playground games, verses for jump rope rhymes, and much more.