Skip with the Hoop
Use a hula hoop and rope to practice skipping and jumping through the hoop, improving coordination, timing, and counting while staying active and safe.
Step-by-step guide to Skip with the Hoop
Step 1
Put on your comfortable shoes so your feet are safe and ready to jump.
Step 2
Pick a flat open space to play in where there are no toys or furniture.
Step 3
Lay the hula hoop flat on the ground so the middle is empty.
Step 4
Place the rope in a straight line about 2 feet 60 cm in front of the hoop.
Step 5
Pick up the ends of the rope from the ground.
Step 6
Hold one end of the rope in each hand with a firm grip.
Step 7
Stand with both feet together on the rope line facing the hoop.
Step 8
Swing the rope forward and back a few times to feel the motion and rhythm.
Step 9
Practice jumping in place over the rope three times without swinging it to warm up your jumps.
Step 10
Swing the rope and jump forward over it into the center of the hoop using both feet together.
Step 11
Repeat the swing-and-jump into the hoop three more times to build timing and confidence.
Step 12
Try one-legged hops into the hoop on your left leg three times to practice balance.
Step 13
Try one-legged hops into the hoop on your right leg three times to practice balance on the other side.
Step 14
Share your finished skipping-with-a-hoop practice on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a hula hoop or a rope for the activity?
Use a circle drawn with sidewalk chalk or a ring of tape on the ground instead of the hula hoop, and use a jump rope, a scarf, or a strip of fabric laid straight about 2 feet (60 cm) in front of the hoop in place of the rope.
I'm tripping on the rope or missing the hoop—what should I try to fix it?
Follow the instructions to pick up the ends with a firm grip, 'Swing the rope forward and back a few times' and repeat 'Practice jumping in place over the rope three times' to build rhythm and reduce tripping when you swing and jump into the hoop.
How can I adapt the activity for different ages or skill levels?
For younger children, move the rope closer than 2 feet (60 cm), use a larger hoop and limit to two-foot jumps, while older kids can increase the distance, add more swings before jumping, or do extra one-legged hops to challenge balance.
How can we make the Skip with the Hoop activity more fun or personalized?
Decorate the hula hoop, play a favorite song for timing, create a points system for successful jumps or one-legged hops, and then 'Share your finished skipping-with-a-hoop practice on DIY.org' as the final step.
Watch videos on how to Skip with the Hoop
KIDDO: Learn how to skip
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KIDDO: Learn how to skip
How to teach a child to skip
5-Step Skipping: Easy Method to Teach Preschoolers This Fundamental Movement Skill
How to do Skipping for Beginners | Master Skipping with These 3 Easy Steps
Facts about physical activity and coordination for kids
🔢 Counting jumps while skipping is a playful way children practice numbers and timing without even realizing it.
🤸 Jump rope offers a cardio workout comparable to running, making it a speedy way for kids to get their heart pumping.
🦺 Playing hoop-skip on a soft surface with good shoes and an adult nearby reduces slips and keeps the game safe and fun.
🧠 Skipping and jumping through a hoop trains rhythm and timing, which helps improve coordination and balance.
🌀 The modern plastic hula hoop craze was kicked off by Wham-O in the 1950s, turning a simple hoop into a worldwide toy phenomenon!
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