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III.5. JUMPING ROPE

Jumping rope also belongs to the group of activities with music and dance, as it has disciplines done with music. The movements of the sport are based on the old folk toy, the jump rope and the act of skipping with it, which can be easily included in the physical education curriculum in schools. In the United States, this sport was made popular within a heart attack prevention programme. Having recognized its beneficial effects on physical fitness, dexterity and balance, it was first taught in elementary schools in the 1960s. Several sports use it as a complementary method. The aim of the sport is to contribute with its movements to the development of children’s condition and coordination, while children enjoy doing the exercises.

The sport has several advantages, which result in its popularity:

  • It gives a sense of achievement and improves self-confidence.
  • People of all ages can practice it.
  • It can be done individually and in groups, too.
  • It is beneficial for the cardiovascular system.
  • It is an efficient instrument to develop condition and coordination.
  • When it is done to music, it improves the sense of rhythm and results in psychic relaxation.
  • The equipment is cheap and can be stored easily. Therefore, it can be used in physical education in schools both indoors and outdoors.
  • It can be presented as a spectacular sports event.
  • The sport has an internationally accepted set of rules and competition system. (Keresztesi 1990)