Skipping Rope Games for Kids: Rhymes and Challenges

Remember the sound of a long rope slapping the playground and a whole line of kids chanting a rhyme? Plenty of children today have never had that. Hand them a skipping rope and they tangle it round their ankles, get cross and give up in thirty seconds. That is a shame, because skipping is one of the best bits of exercise a child can do, and it costs about a fiver. These skipping rope games for kids are the ones I use to get children (and their parents) skipping: classic rhymes, long-rope games and counting challenges, plus how to teach a complete beginner without the tears.

First, teach the basics

Most kids struggle with skipping because they try to do everything at once. Break it into steps. I teach it the same way to six year olds and forty year olds in my Archway classes.

Step 1: Get the right rope

Have your child stand on the middle of the rope with both feet. The handles should reach roughly to their armpits. Too long and it drags, too short and it hits their head. Tie a knot near each handle to shorten an adult rope.

Step 2: Jump without the rope

Practise small, quick bunny hops on the balls of the feet, knees soft, landing quietly. Count 20. If they can do this to a steady rhythm, they are ready.

Step 3: The swing and step

Rope behind the heels. Swing it over the head so it lands on the floor in front, then step over it. No jumping yet. Repeat 10 times. This teaches the timing.

Step 4: Swing and jump

Same again, but jump over it as it lands. One at a time, stop, reset. When they can do 5 in a row like this, start linking two jumps together, then three.

Common mistakes to fix

• Huge arm circles. Turn from the wrists, elbows close to the body.
• Jumping too high. The rope only needs a few centimetres of space.
• Looking at the feet. Eyes forward, like looking at a friend.
• Double bouncing. Fine for beginners, it is how most people start.

Skipping rope games for kids: rhymes

Rhymes give children a rhythm to jump to and a reason to keep going. These are the classics many of us grew up with:

• “Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around.” Each line has an action: turn around, touch the ground, show your shoe, that will do. Easy for beginners because the jumps are slow.
• “Cinderella, dressed in yella.” The rhyme ends with counting. The number they reach before tripping is their score.
• “Salt, vinegar, mustard, pepper.” Starts slow and speeds up on “pepper”. Great for older kids who want a challenge.
• Alphabet skip. Skip through the alphabet. Wherever you trip, think of a name, food or animal starting with that letter.

Do not worry if you do not remember the exact words. Make up your own family rhymes. Kids love a rhyme with their sibling’s name in it.

Long-rope games

Long-rope skipping is brilliant for families and groups because it is sociable and beginners do not have to turn the rope themselves. You need a rope of about 4 to 5 metres (a washing line works) and two turners.

1. Snake. Turners wiggle the rope along the ground. Kids jump over without touching it. Perfect for under 6s.
2. High water, low water. Turners hold the rope still and raise it a little after each round. Jumpers clear it. Keep it low, knee height at most.
3. Run through. The rope turns, and each child runs through without jumping. This teaches timing for running in.
4. Run in, jump, run out. Run in, jump 3 times, run out the other side. Then 5, then 10.
5. Pairs. Two kids run in together and jump side by side. Then try holding hands.
6. “All in together.” Everyone runs in one by one until the whole group is jumping. Great for parties.

Counting challenges

Once kids can skip a few in a row, set challenges they can beat on their own:

• Personal best: how many in a row without stopping? Write it on the fridge.
• 30-second count: how many skips in 30 seconds? Retest every week.
• Trick ladder: two feet, then alternating feet (like jogging), then hopping on one foot, then crossing arms. Unlock the next trick by doing 10 of the last.
• Family relay: each family member skips for 20 seconds, total the skips and try to beat last week’s family score.

If you want to join in properly, my jump rope workout for beginners is a simple adult plan that fits alongside the kids’ games.

Where to skip

Skipping works best on a flat, smooth surface: a patio, a playground or a quiet path in the park. Avoid very hard concrete for long sessions, wet grass (slippery) and carpet (the rope catches). Indoors, check the ceiling height and move lampshades and ornaments out of the way. For park ideas to go with it, see my guide to active games for kids in the park.

Is skipping good for kids?

Yes. It is a jumping activity, which the NHS lists in its physical activity guidelines for children and young people as one of the ways to strengthen muscles and bones. It also builds coordination, rhythm and stamina. Short sessions of 5 to 10 minutes are plenty for young children. Let them rest when they need to and stop if anything hurts.

Skipping for tired parents

Here is a secret: skipping is hard work for adults too. Two minutes and most parents are puffing. That is why boxers use it. In my SYP Box Fit beginner boxing class we use footwork drills that build the same light, quick feet, with no sparring. It is a great way to get your fitness back while having fun.

FAQs

What age can a child learn to skip with a rope?

Many children can manage a few skips from around 5 or 6 years old, once they can jump with two feet together in a rhythm. Younger children can enjoy long-rope “snake” games before that.

What length skipping rope does my child need?

Standing on the middle of the rope, the handles should reach about armpit height. Adjustable ropes are the easiest choice for growing kids.

Why does my child keep getting tangled?

Usually the arms are swinging too wide or the rope is too long. Go back to the swing and step, keep the elbows in and turn from the wrists.

How long should kids skip for?

A few minutes of games at a time is plenty for younger children. Build up gradually and mix skipping with other play.

Book your first class

Get the kids skipping, then come and look after your own fitness. SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes in an indoor church hall in Archway N19, maximum 10 people, at £15 a class, and every exercise has an easier and a harder option. Book my £15 class, or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215 and I will send you the timetable. If you live up the hill, have a look at my personal trainer service in Highgate.

About the author

Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.