❤️

Lesson 4 - Individual Skipping

Fitness Fundamentals & Fun

•

Year 1

•

Health Related Fitness

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use rhythm and timing to master the art of skipping?

Learning Objectives

To develop individual skipping technique with proper rhythm and timing
To demonstrate jumping and landing with balance and control
To persevere when learning challenging motor skills

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to perform basic skipping movements with improved coordination
Students will understand the rhythm patterns for single and double bounce techniques
Students will demonstrate resilience when attempting difficult skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Ropes

Check rope length - handles should reach just below armpits when standing on rope centre

Alternative: Different length ropes for varying heights, resistance bands for adaptation

Cones

Used for warm-up tagging game

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, playground chalk

Base Stations

Optional - mark jumping positions for long rope activity

Alternative: Hoops, poly spots, tape marks

Hoops

Alternative equipment for students who struggle with rope skipping

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles on ground

Key Vocabulary

Single bounce

Jumping once on each side of the rope with a steady rhythm

Double bounce

Jumping with a small bounce between each rope turn

Rhythm

The regular pattern of movement and timing in skipping

Rope turning

Moving the rope in a smooth circular motion using wrists

Ready position

Standing with rope behind feet, hands at waist height

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic jumping with two feet together
Understanding of personal space
Following simple movement patterns

Current Skills

Individual rope skipping technique
Rhythm and timing coordination
Rope handling and positioning

Next Steps

Advanced skipping patterns and variations
Partner skipping activities
Long rope group skipping

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rope turning motion

Coordinated hand and foot movements

Sustained skipping for multiple jumps

Key Teaching Points

Rope length should have handles reaching just below armpits when standing on centre
Turn rope from wrists, not large arm movements, keeping hands wide and at waist level
Jump on balls of feet with light landings, maintaining upright posture throughout
Master turn first, then jump - timing is crucial for successful skipping
Use clear rhythm patterns: jump-jump-jump-jump for single bounce, jump-bend-jump-bend for double bounce
Encourage perseverance and celebrate effort over outcome to build resilience
Maintain adequate spacing between students for safety during all rope activities

Common Misconceptions

That good skippers never make mistakes - emphasise learning process
That rope must be turned very fast - teach control over speed
That jumping high helps with skipping - emphasise light, low jumps
That it should be easy immediately - normalize the challenge of learning
That individual success matters more than trying hard - promote growth mindset

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Simplified movements initially, additional practice time, break down skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured ropes, provide tactile rope placement guidance, buddy system for safety

hearing impairment

Use visual rhythm demonstrations, hand signals, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated rope activities, upper body rope movements, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, giving advice, descriptive language for movement

Science

Forces and motion, rhythm and patterns, body systems during exercise

Music

Beat and rhythm, timing, coordination with sound patterns

PSHE

Perseverance, resilience, supporting others, managing frustration

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique, safety awareness, perseverance, and peer support

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling significantly, unsafe behaviour, or negative peer interactions

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations, involve students who show good technique, repeat key points frequently

Verbal Cues

•'Light feet like a dancer!'
•'Turn first, then jump!'
•'Jump, bend, jump, bend!'
•'Keep trying - you're getting better!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles, non-slip surface preferred

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for jumping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rope condition for fraying or damage
•Ensure rope lengths appropriate for individual heights
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Tripping over ropes
•Rope strike injuries
•Collisions between students
•Overexertion

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between students during all activities
•Clear instructions for rope handling and storage
•Gradual progression from static to dynamic activities
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor individual technique for safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely occupied