We all have kids who can jump but struggle to keep their feet together. The "skippy step" is something that students love to do, but it's a habit that can often hinder them from learning a true single bounce. Here are some tips to navigate through this with your students!
What is the "Skippy Step"
The skippy step happens when students jump over the rope one foot at a time, performing 2 steps within one turn of the rope. Sometimes this is the only way they think they can jump. Other times, students will do the skippy step when they THINK they are doing SPEED STEP. The main difference is that a speed step requires the rope to pass underneath EACH foot as it lands on the ground. See below for examples of skippy step and speed step.
So how do we fix the "Skippy Step"!?
"Glue" the shoes together.
The first thing to try is telling the student to pretend they are "gluing" their shoes together. Make it dramatic so they're really "stuck." Once they're glued they'll jump up and down without the rope. When that feels good you can reintroduce the rope and have them try one jump at at time.
Squeeze a ball!
If the "glue" method doesn't work, squeezing a ball will almost always fix the problem. Find a ball that you feel works for your student (dodgeball, soccer ball, squishy ball, etc.) and have them squeeze it between their legs. Once they squeeze and practice jumping with the ball without the rope, then reintroduce the rope again.
Practice time!
Once you have reintroduced the rope it's time to let you students play. Have them try a few jumps with the ball and a few jumps without the ball. If they start skipping again simply give them the ball back so they can practice again. Over time this will stick, and they will start jumping on two feet!!!
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