Skipping

Checklist of skill criteria:

1. Shows a rhythmical step-hop
2. Lands on the ball of the foot
3. Knee of support leg bends to prepare for hop
4. Head and trunk stable, eyes focused forward
5. Arms relaxed and swing in opposition to legs

Teaching Strategies

For beginners (at the emergent level of skipping skill development):

• Focus on skill criteria number 1, 2 & 5
• Should be taught as a rhythmical movement: step-hop-step-hop
• Start in slow motion doing steps and then hops and gradually trying to join them together
• Try encouraging step-hop movements to music
• Play games such as Wicked Witch and Turtles, Snakes & Islands where children can have a go at Skipping

For children at the developing level of skipping skill development:

• Start skipping at a faster speed
• Encourage changes of direction and speed
• Play games that involve skipping and tag games

For children at the acquired or accomplished level of skipping skill development:

• Skip with partners
• Have a go at skipping relays
• Incorporate skipping into games such as Dodge Ball & Rob the Nest