Skipping lessons

The sound of rope slapping rhythmically against concrete, accompanied by a chorus of high-pitched verse, conjures up sepia-toned images of school yards of yesteryear. But, many teachers now use skipping in PE classes or as a form of 'brain gym' between lessons to wake children up and release pent-up energy. Improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscular strength, better endurance, improved body conditioning, stronger bones and greater flexibility are just some of the benefits of skipping. What's more, it's cheap, it can be done in or outside, and children can skip on their own or with friends.

Thanks to the British Rope Skipping Association (BRSA), an increasing number of schools have started skipping clubs, and some are now competing at national and international level. In countries, such as Belgium, skipping is as 'cool' as skateboarding.

The benefits

"More and more people are realising the benefits of rope skipping," says Sue Dale, secretary of the BRSA and coach of the Blue and White Rope Skippers — a Warwickshire-based skipping team for six— to 19-year-olds. "Requests for information about skipping have trebled in the last year. The ideal thing about skipping is that you can do it by yourself or work in a team. With children, this can bring out confidence they didn't know they had, as many who don't excel in other sports seem to pick up skipping very easily.

"Some of the Blue and White Rope Skippers are now world champions. It is one of the few sports that offers such achievements and travel opportunities at such a young age."

Wendy Delarues is a Year 4 teacher at Bishop Loveday Primary School in Banbury, Oxfordshire. She also runs the school skipping club and tries to encourage colleagues to get children skipping whenever possible. She says: "It's a fantastic form of aerobic exercise. Five minutes of skipping is the equivalent to 20 minutes' running. You can do it in short bursts and still get the health benefits. It's not just for the stereotypically sporty, either. Even overweight children can be great skippers. It's also good for team building and co-operation. As things get more advanced, children have to work together to master complex moves."

Her interest in skipping was sparked when she attended a workshop run by Harold Galley, a former primary headteacher, an Ofsted inspector and skipping coach, three years ago. Since then, she has acquired a coaching qualification from the BRSA and now runs skipping clubs in and out of school.

She often includes skipping in her warm-ups during PE lessons, and takes the ropes out onto the playground several times a week. "It helps if you can get lunch time supervisors on board," she says. "If they're up to speed on some of the moves, the ropes will be out every day and the children will make great progress."

According to Wendy, skipping can also impact on student behaviour and concentration levels. She says: "Aside from keeping students occupied, exercise releases endorphins — feel-good chemicals — and if children have been skipping at lunch time, they're getting more oxygen to their brain. That will keep them more focused during that potentially 'sleepy' period after lunch."

Gender issues

Her after-school club is attended mostly by girls, but on the playground, the boys can't resist joining in. "They tend to start off with this idea that skipping is 'sissy'," says Wendy. "But as soon as they try it, they're hooked. Because skipping needs body strength, some boys can be better than girls. I'm aware of the gender issue and flag up the fact that many boxers use skipping in their training. I also encourage older boys who skip to show off their skills to the younger ones."

Children at Bishop Loveday have relished the opportunity to "get fit and have fun" as Year 4 student Anna puts it. "And you get to learn new tricks," adds Year 3 student Tom. Teamwork is a big attraction for Year 4 student Megan: "I like making up routines with other people. It's good to impress your friends with what you've learned."

Tips for safe skipping

• Don't try too much too soon. Start with a 1:3 skipping: rest ratio, so if you skip for five minutes you rest for 15, and build up slowly
• Make sure the children (and you) are wearing appropriate shoes, such as cross-trainers or aerobic shoes, as these provide appropriate stability and cushioning under the forefoot
• Choose a well-lit area, preferably with a springy wooden floor or a carpeted surface, or put a thin, non-slip exercise mat down first
• Watch for posture. Knees and ankles should be bent and the torso straight when jumping. Arms should be by the skipper's side, with the rope turning from the wrists and forearms
• Before skipping, do five minutes of gentle cardiovascular exercise, such as walking or marching. Then, gently stretch all the major muscle groups. Remember to cool down, bringing the heart rate down gently at the end of a session. Stretches should be repeated

Janet Murray Pictures: Martin Beddall

FOR MORE INFO

• British Rope Skipping Association: www.brsa.org.uk
• Skipping workshops: www.skipping-workshops.co.uk
• National School Sports Strategy: www.teachernet.gov.uk/pe

This content was published in May 2005 and may not reflect current policy