Fun jump-rope play: long-rope jumping and rope-based movement games
We’re introducing lots of fun ways to play with a jump rope!
In addition to classic skills like double-unders and criss-crosses, we’ve also got simple jump-rope games that even young children who can’t jump yet can enjoy.
If you want to practice jump-rope tricks, learn new variations of jump-rope games, or play with younger kids using a jump rope, be sure to check this out.
Jump rope isn’t just for play—there are also opportunities to test your skills, like proficiency tests and freestyle performances where you can compete in ability and technique.
Once you’ve built up your confidence, you might want to give those a try!
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Fun jump-rope games: long-rope jumping and rope-based movement activities (1–10)
Two-person jump rope
When you have a large group, how about trying a two-person jump rope game, “Two-Person Jump Rope”? You can play in various ways: face each other and jump with a single rope, stand side by side and jump with one rope, or stand side by side with two ropes—holding your own rope with the outside hand and crossing your inside arms to hold your partner’s rope—then jump together.
Since you’re jumping as a pair, the key is syncing your timing.
It’s perfect for when you want to boost teamwork.
Rhythm Jump Rope
How about trying a rhythmic jump rope activity that combines jump rope with dance? There are many different ways to jump rope.
You can mix those techniques to fun music so it feels like you’re dancing—actually incorporating dance elements along the way.
NiziU’s signature song “Make you happy” even includes a dance in the chorus known as the “jump rope dance,” right? You can express that with an actual jump rope—jumping and dancing in a fun way!
Jump Rope Relay
In a jump-rope relay, teams do a relay while jumping rope.
Jumping rope as you run is surprisingly difficult, but not being able to run normally can actually be fun, right? It’s a popular jump-rope activity—so much so that some schools even test running while jumping rope in PE class.
If you’re not confident with performance-style jump rope, you might find this kind of simple jump rope more enjoyable.
Also, for getting used to jump-rope play, practicing with simple jump rope helps build confidence, so it’s recommended.
Fun jump rope games: group jump rope and rope-based physical activities (11–20)
Snake Catching Game
Let me introduce a snake-catching game that uses a long jump rope.
You pretend the rope is a snake and try to catch the snake as it “escapes.” You can play it outdoors or indoors.
A larger space makes it more fun because you have a wider area to catch the snake.
When the runaway snake is caught, you “bring it back to its home.” If you have plenty of room, elementary school–aged kids can run around while playing, which makes it even more enjoyable.
Of course, it’s also recommended for younger children.
In that case, you might want to make the snake’s movement area smaller.
Another fun variation is a game where you catch a snake that jumps through the air.
Wiggly Jump
Some moms and dads might fondly remember doing this when they were kids.
Tie one end of a jump rope to something like a tree or a chair leg, hold the other end and sway it side to side so it slithers like a snake, then jump over it—this is the “Wiggly Snake Jump.” It’s an especially exciting jump-rope game for little kids, isn’t it? Start with a slow wiggle at first, and once everyone gets used to it, speed it up bit by bit to make it wiggle faster!
Rope-Jumping Sumo
Let’s try a two-person game called “Jump Rope Sumo”! Stand facing each other and each person holds one end of a jump rope that’s been folded in half.
With the hand that isn’t holding the rope, grab one of your feet so you’re standing on one leg, then get ready to start.
At the start signal, you both pull on the rope.
If you lose your balance and the foot that’s on the ground moves, or if you put your other foot down, you lose.
You also can’t lean on a wall or anything else.
It’s a battle of push and pull—not just pulling hard, but sometimes relaxing your grip when your opponent pulls, and so on, is the key to winning.
Mr. Bear, Mr. Bear
This is a game called “Kuma-san, Kuma-san” where you sing and jump rope while adding other movements.
You sing “Kuma-san, Kuma-san” and then add lyrics that specify a movement to follow.
For example, with “Kuma-san, Kuma-san, raise your hands,” you jump rope while raising your hands; with “Kuma-san, Kuma-san, on one foot,” you jump rope on one foot.
It’s fun to change the difficulty by adding simple, original actions while jumping rope.
It becomes more of a full-body workout than just regular jumping and likely uses more stamina.