Jumping-rope exercises

The jumping rope is one of the most commonly used hand tools in teaching physical education at school. It is relatively readily available, inexpensive, and easy to store in small spaces. The rope can be made of hemp or plastic, and the handle may be made of plastic or wood.

The length of the jumping rope is correct when, standing in the middle of the rope, the two ends of the rope reach a height of the breast. The best way to carry the rope is to fold it twice or four times and hold it in hand, arms down, at the sides.

When using the rope it is preferable for every student to get one jumping rope. The allocation of the tool should proceed in an organized way, following the methods used with other hand tools. If, due to the length of the rope, replacement is necessary, we need to allow the students to exchange ropes after their allocation.

The expedient formation is a space and distance which are bigger than the total length. If there are multiple lines, the second (fourth) line should step sideways, so the ropes will not touch each other at the aisles. Another solution may be to assign half-turns to the left/right.

The jumping rope exercises are divided into two big groups, free form basic exercises (mostly with rhythm) and exercises conducted without rhythm, and with back and forth movement. In practices without rhythm it is necessary to determine the number of repeats or the available time (e.g. 30 seconds).

The children should be taught how to turn the rope correctly, so that they carry the movement from the wrist at their hips, with elbows slightly bent. At first we carry out jumps over the rope in the easiest way, by hopping.

When combining jumping with moving forward, we need to ensure a larger distance between the pupils.

Just as in the case of other tools, our command should refer to the rope. (Table 17)