Imagine having a great time playing with just a simple piece of elastic string! Chinese Jump Rope is a game popular around the world!
Chinese Jump Rope found me as a child and once again, through my profession as a physical educator. The game is funny like that, popping up from generation to generation, verbally passed from one to another like a folk tale.
It’s a challenging game played by anyone anywhere!
The simple rules test the skill and coordination of all players. An elastic rope is the only equipment needed for play. The game is easily learned and always fun!
Chinese children first played Chinese Jump Rope in the 7th century. Rediscovered by English children in the 1960’s, the game remains as popular as ever.
Chinese Jump Rope is no ordinary “rope skipping” game. “Enders” hold an elastic rope while a “jumper” jumps the rope in special ways. The challenge? To jump successfully!
RULES
A Jumper jumps until a mistake or “miss” is made.
-A miss can be made for jumping “out” instead of “in”.
-A miss is also made if a jumper touches the rope incorrectly while playing the game.
After a miss, the jumper trades positions with an ender.
The new jumper starts from the very beginning of the game on the next turn.
Every Chinese Jump Rope game begins with the rope held in basic position.
Enders:
1. Face each other and step inside the rope.
2. Place the rope around the ankles.
3. Step back until the rope is stretched.
Two parallel jumping lines, about 12 inches (30cm)apart, are stretched between the enders.
The jumper stands outside the rope, ready to play.
Simple words describe simple Chinese Jump Rope steps!
“IN”
Jump both feet inside the rope.
“ON”
Jump both feet on top of the rope. The left foot lands on the left rope; the right foot lands on the right foot.
“OUT”
Jump both feet from the middle to the outside of the rope. Feet land together on one side.
“SIDE OUT”
Jump over both ropes from one side. Both feet land together on the other side of the rope.
“STRADDLE OUT”
Jump a straddle! The left foot lands outside the left side of the rope. The right foot lands outside the right side of the rope.
“SIDE-BY-SIDE”
Jump quickly side-to-side. Both feet start “out” one side of the ropes.
-Jump side: The left foot lands outside the left rope. The right foot lands inside the rope.
-Jump side again quickly: The left foot lands inside the rope. The right foot lands outside the right rope.
Jumpers call the steps out loud while jumping. Calling helps the player remember the “pattern” of the jumps!
Practice “jumping steps” with these simple games!
Game 1:
IN.. OUT.. SIDE-BY-SIDE.. ON.. IN.. OUT
Game 2:
IN.. STRADDLE OUT.. SIDE-BY-SIDE.. IN.. OUT.. SIDE OUT
Game 3:
SIDE OUT.. SIDE OUT.. ON.. SIDE OUT.. SIDE OUT.. ON.. SIDE OUT
Game 4:
SIDE-BY-SIDE.. IN.. STRADDLE OUT.. IN.. ON.. SIDE OUT
No enders around to hold the rope? Draw two parallel chalk lines on a play surface (sidewalk, concrete, pavement).
Happy jumping!