Skipping

Children are ready to be introduced to the skip by the end of Pre-Primary and should have mastered all aspects of the skip by the end of Year 3. Children should be able to hop and side-step first before learning skipping.

Checklist of skill criteria:
- Shows a rhythmical step-hop
- Lands on the ball of the foot
- Knee of support leg bends to prepare for hop
- Head and trunk stable, eyes focused forward
- 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
Teaching Cues
- Step-hop, step-hop, step-hop
- Step forward and hop up
- Look ahead
- Keep body facing forward
Common Errors
- Unable to perform step-hop alternately
- Arms not coordinated with legs
- Lack of rhythm
- Stiff legs on landing