Jump Rope/Double Dutch

  1. Autonomous/Self-access Games
  2. Recess Games
  • Small Group (1-10)

  • Grades 1-2

  • Jump Ropes

  • Less Than 10 minutes

Development Goal

To develop eye-foot coordination, cooperation and teamwork.

Before You Start

  • At a recess: One rope grants one jumping turn, two ropes (double dutch) grant two jumping turns.
  • For both double dutch and single rope jumping, a standard jump rope is 15 feet long.
  • Waiting players form a line, or designate and follow a jumping order.
  • Jump rope is the most common and widely played cooperative playground game – all active participants (turners and jumpers) need to be aware and be paying attention for the jumper to do the best job s/he can.
  • Address rope swinging safety, making sure all jumpers know to look out for others before they begin swinging.

Set Up

Gather jump ropes of the appropriate size for the group and make sure there is enough room to allow swinging ropes remain safe.

How to Play

  • The turners each hold one end of the rope and face each other; when turning the rope it should be arced and touch the ground at one center point.
  • The jumper stands in front facing one turner with the side of one foot touching the rope at the center point of the rope.
  • After a jumper has completed his/her turn s/he takes the place of a turner, and the turner goes to the end of the line.  Make this clear so there is no confusion about the responsibilities.
  • No do-overs are allowed; once a turn has happened, the player needs to show sporting behavior and fair play by taking his/her turn turning the rope.