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Do the Lasso Move

Do the Lasso Move
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Make a soft practice lasso from rope and learn the basic lasso spinning and looping moves safely in an open space to build coordination.

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Step-by-step guide to Do the Lasso Move

What you need
Adult supervision required, duct tape or masking tape, scissors, small soft target like a rolled sock or cone, soft rope or thick cord about 6 feet

Step 1

Find a wide open space outside or in a large room free of people and breakable things.

Step 2

Lay the rope flat on the ground and untangle any knots or twists.

Step 3

Make a bent loop near one end by folding a short section of rope back toward itself to form a bight.

Step 4

Cross the bight over the standing part to make a small loop.

Step 5

Pull a folded section of the long rope through that small loop to form a simple slip knot.

Step 6

Tighten the slip knot so the big loop can slide but stays snug at the knot.

Step 7

Wrap tape around the knot and the rope ends to make the knot soft and smooth.

Step 8

Stand with feet shoulder width apart and hold the knotted end in your dominant hand while holding the loop with your other hand.

Step 9

Swing the loop in a small circle at waist level using only your wrist until the loop spins smoothly.

Step 10

Raise the spinning loop to shoulder height and spin it in a larger circle above your head while keeping your arm relaxed.

Step 11

Aim at your soft target and practice casting by stepping forward and opening your fingers to let the loop slide forward toward the target.

Step 12

Try gentle catches by practicing the loop landing around the soft target and repeat until you feel steady and safe.

Step 13

Share a photo or short description of your practice lasso and what you learned on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have the rope or tape called for in the instructions?

Use a 6–8 foot braided nylon cord, garden twine, or a soft old belt as the rope and substitute cloth tape, duct tape, or a wrapped sock around the knot to make it soft if you can't find tape.

My loop keeps getting tangled or won't slide—how do I fix it?

Lay the rope flat to untangle twists, remake the bight and pull the folded section through the small loop to form a proper slip knot, tighten so the big loop slides but stays snug, then wrap tape around the knot and ends to smooth it before practicing wrist swings at waist level.

How should I change the activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids use a shorter, lighter rope with a bigger soft loop and a nearby stuffed-animal target with close supervision while practicing waist-level spins, and for older kids use a longer rope, shoulder-height spins, and step farther when casting toward the target.

How can we make the lasso practice more fun or personalized?

Decorate the rope by wrapping colored tape around the knot and ends, add a sticker to mark your dominant-hand hold, create graduated soft targets at different distances for stepping-forward casts, and share a photo of your practice on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to Do the Lasso Move

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Facts about rope skills and safety for kids

⚠️ Always practice with a soft rope in a wide open space and with adult supervision for safety.

🪢 A working lariat is usually long—around 20–35 feet—while practice lassos are made shorter and softer.

🐴 Cowboys and ranchers use a lariat (lasso) to catch livestock, often while riding horses.

🎯 Practicing lasso spinning and looping helps build hand-eye coordination, timing, and rhythm.

🤠 Team roping is a popular rodeo event that shows off speedy, precise lassoing and teamwork.

How do you do the lasso move with a soft practice lasso?

To teach the lasso move, first make a soft practice lasso by folding a 6–8 foot soft rope to form a large loop (about 18–24 inches) and secure the tail end with tape or a simple knot. Stand in an open space with feet shoulder-width, hold the rope about 12–18 inches from the loop, and swing the loop in a small horizontal circle. Gradually increase speed and loop size, then lower your wrist to aim the loop over a lightweight target. Supervise closely and keep others well clear.

What materials do I need to make a soft practice lasso?

You'll need a soft, flexible rope 6–10 feet long (cotton or braided poly works), scissors, and duct tape or electrical tape to bind or whip the ends. Add safety gear like closed-toe shoes and optional lightweight targets (cones, pool noodles, or a stuffed bucket). Use a flat, open outdoor space free from obstacles. An adult to supervise and a stopwatch or marker for practice rounds are helpful.

What ages is practicing the lasso move suitable for?

This activity suits children about 6 years and up with adult supervision. Ages 6–8 can learn basic spinning and short loops with shorter ropes and simple targets. Ages 9–12 can practice larger loops, accuracy, and timing; teens can develop advanced drills. For younger children (under 6) motor skills and safety concerns often make it inappropriate. Always match rope length and complexity to a child's strength, coordination, and attention.

What are the benefits of practicing the lasso move?

Lasso practice builds gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, timing, and bilateral coordination as children learn to swing and control a loop. It promotes spatial awareness, focus, and self-confidence from measurable improvement. Outdoors it encourages active play and following safety rules. Keep benefits maximized by using soft ropes, clear targets, distance zones, and close adult supervision to prevent accidental hits or trips.
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Do the Lasso Move. Activities for Kids.