Sometimes, despite your best efforts and most perfect teaching cues, students still struggle to get their rope over their head for the first jump. Or maybe, they can jump like a champ - but only backward! We've all been there! This blog is here to help with a simple yet effective drill. We've used this drill successfully with kids as young as 3 years old!
The Wall Drill
This drill gives students a visible target to aim at when turning their rope and helps their arms maneuver in a more natural way to get the rope over their heads.
Step 1
First, have your student stand in ready position, about one foot from the wall. Their task is to go from ready position and make the rope hit the wall.
At first, they'll probably hit the wall very aggressively, and that's okay. We just want them to hit the wall however they can. :-)
Step 2
Next, have your student back up just a bit so that their rope hits the wall more gently. As the rope falls to their toes, they should look at it and then step over it to get back into ready position.
Step 3
Have your student back up one more tiny step so that the rope barely skims the wall. Their goal is now to turn the rope and jump over it as it falls to their toes.
Pro Tip: To help them avoid jumping too early, tell them that the rope needs to hit the wall BEFORE they jump it.
Troubleshooting - What if You Don't have a Wall?
If you're outside or don't have access to a wall, try using a pool noodle. Simply hold the pool noodle so that the student can hit the end of it (without hitting you!). For an equipment free option, you can also use a line on the ground as a visual target.
Practice Time!!!
Once your student is proficient with using the wall (or noodle/line) as a target, have them try jumping without the wall. Encourage them to picture the wall in their minds and hit the imaginary wall when they turn the rope.
We hope this drill is helpful for you and your students!! We'd love to hear how it goes when you try it!
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