Imagine having a great time playing with just a simple piece of elastic string! Chinese Jump Rope is a jumping game popular around the world!
Chinese Jump Rope found me as a child and once again, through my profession as a physical educator. The game is funny like that, popping up from generation to generation, verbally passed from one to another like a folk tale.
Chinese Jump Rope is a challenging game played by anyone anywhere.
The simple rules test the skill and coordination of all players. An elastic rope is the only equipment needed for play. The game is easily learned and always fun!
Chinese children first played Chinese Jump Rope in the 7th century. Rediscovered by English children in the 1960's, Chinese Jump Rope remains as popular as ever.
Chinese Jump Rope is no ordinary "rope skipping" game. "Enders" hold an elastic rope while a "jumper" jumps the rope in special ways. The challenge? To jump successfully!
RULES
A Jumper jumps until a jumping mistake or "miss" is made.
-A miss can be made if a jumper jumps "out" instead of "in".
-A miss is also made if a jumper touches the rope incorrectly while jumping the game.
After a miss, the jumper trades positions with an ender.
The jumper starts from the very beginning of the game on the next turn.
Every Chinese Jump Rope game begins with the rope held in basic position.
Enders:
1. Face each other and step inside the rope.
2. Place the rope around the ankles.
3. Step back until the rope is stretched.
Two parallel jumping lines, about 12 inches (30cm)apart, are stretched between the enders.
The jumper stands outside the rope, ready to play.
Simple words describe simple CJR jumping steps!
"IN"
Jump both feet inside the rope.
"ON"
Jump both feet on top of the rope. The left foot lands on the left rope the right foot lands on the right foot.
"OUT"
Jump both feet from the middle to the outside of the rope. Feet land together on one side.
"SIDE OUT"
Jump over both ropes from one side. Both feet land together on the other side of the rope.
"STRADDLE OUT"
Jump a straddle! The left foot lands outside the left side of the rope. The right foot lands outside the right side of the rope.
"SIDE-BY-SIDE"
Jump quickly side-to-side. Both feet start "out" one side of the ropes.
-Jump side: The left foot lands outside the left rope. The right foot lands inside the rope.
-Jump side again quickly: The left foot lands inside the rope. The right foot lands outside the right rope.
Jumpers call the steps out loud while jumping. Calling helps the jumper remember the "pattern" of the jumps!
Practice "jumping steps" with these simple jumping games!
JUMP 1:
IN.. OUT.. SIDE-BY-SIDE.. ON.. IN.. OUT
JUMP 2:
IN.. STRADDLE OUT.. SIDE-BY-SIDE.. IN.. OUT.. SIDE OUT
JUMP 3:
SIDE OUT.. SIDE OUT.. ON.. SIDE OUT.. SIDE OUT.. ON .. SIDE OUT
JUMP 4:
SIDE-BY-SIDE.. IN.. STRADDLE OUT.. IN.. ON.. SIDE OUT
No enders around to hold the rope? Draw two parallel chalk lines on a play surface (sidewalk, concrete, pavement).
Happy jumping!
Sheree S. Marty is the author and owner of the games book, "Chinese Jump Rope". She currently keeps the spirit of the game alive through her website, Chinese Jump Rope (http://chinesejumprope.tripod.com). Ms. Marty taught physical education for thirteen years. She earned her Master degree in Counseling in 2000 and has worked with elementary school children as a school counselor for the past nine years.
» left by berryelvish from kansas (3 years 69 days ago.)
Oh, thank you so much for posting this article. I have been searching for instructions for playing Chinese Jump Rope for a good long while now. This really helps. Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree Marty(2,796) (2 years 112 days ago.)
I'm really glad the article helped. Happy Jumping! Respond to this comment
» left by Angelika from Meadow Lakes, Alaska (3 years 28 days ago.)
Your instructions are great, but what would be even better are illistrations for us visual learners Respond to this comment
» left by Principal, L.R. Milano from Glendale, CA (2 years 219 days ago.)
After fruitless searches for clear, sequential steps to play CJR, I found YOU! Thank you for this information! I can now provide the rules to my students. What fun! Respond to this comment
» left by April from Everett, MA (2 years 191 days ago.)
Thank you so much for setting up this website. I bought my daughter a Chinese Jump Rope and couldn't remember how to play. It's created wonderful memories for me and my daughter and has made me feel like a kid again. Thanks so much!! Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree Marty(2,796) (2 years 112 days ago.)
Isn't it great how the game is passed down by the generations? I'm happy you both are enjoying the game! My blog, "Happy Jumping!" is one MySpace click away for your reading enjoyment. The blog can be easily accessed through my Chinese Jump Rope site. Thanks again for the kudos! Respond to this comment
» left by Elizabeth from NSW Australia (2 years 142 days ago.)
Thanks to you I have been able to show my granddaughter how to play as I did when I was a child, do you know any songs that you can jump to, again thank you. Respond to this comment
» left by Tracey from San Antonio, TX (2 years 112 days ago.)
Yes, the article was helpful. I am still looking for some other moves that I played as a child, but this was a great help for my children. Thank you. Respond to this comment
» left by Jessica Harmon from roosevelt, Ut (2 years 111 days ago.)
this article was great but there are more moves that i remeber playing asw a child like....diamond, where you take and cross over the lines to make a diamond shape and jump out. Or double arrows and the bunny hop? and i didn't see any thing metioned about how there is a point in the game where the rope is moved futher up on the legs to give the game more of a challenge. I guess this is maily suggestions to spice the game up a bit. Ilistaions would be great. Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree Marty(2,796) (2 years 111 days ago.)
Hi! Thanks for your comment. You are right! The diamond shape is a huge part of Chinese Jump Rope and is included in my book, along with raising the ropes. I do plan to include these games in my cd, Chinese Jump Rope YEAH! Funny you should mention the Bunny Hop! It is one of my favorite CJR games! Respond to this comment
» left by Ronnekia from la (2 years 85 days ago.)
thank ive always wanted 2 learn how 2 play this game Respond to this comment
» left by Melissa P from Millsboro, DE (2 years 76 days ago.)
I am a 35 year old mother of 2 and my 12 year old begged me for a chinese jump rope, I relented and bought it and Her and my 4 year old started trying it out, It brought tears to my eyes to see something i enjoyed as a child being made thru a new generation and the memories that flooded back to me, of me and my friends playing sometimes alone with the ends wrapped around chair legs lol
thanks Respond to this comment
» left by S. Marty (2 years 76 days ago.)
Thank YOU! I bet you 12 year old would enjoy the two sample games (Hong Kong Jump and Bunny Hops) featured on my website. Be certain to visit! Happy Jumping! All the best. :) Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 58 days ago.)
So glad to find this site! I bought a chinese jumprope for my grandchildren remembering how much fun we had as kids playing it, but not remembering exactly how to do it. They enjoy learning new things, and this will be a learning experience as well as loads of fun for them! Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree from Florida (2 years 57 days ago.)
Be certain to visit my website for free games...just print out the games and let your grandkids have a fantastic time! Happy Jumping! Sheree M. Respond to this comment
» left by Shanika Walker from del/ (1 year 349 days ago.)
yes they was i had fun to Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Lam (1 year 313 days ago.)
No, it was not helpful to me. I want to know how to play the other chinese
jump rope. Where you jump on a side of the rope with both feet then you jump
on both of the rope. That is the chinese jump I want to play. Thank you for taking your time to read this. Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree from Florida (1 year 313 days ago.)
Hi Lisa...Thanks for your post. refer back to my article to the jump sequences...for example, Jump 1 reads... in (the ropes)...out (the ropes)...side by side...on (the ropes)...in (the ropes)...out (the ropes)....Each jump sequence describes a different CJR basic game. I hope this helps a bit. Respond to this comment
» left by DAve from Remlig (1 year 288 days ago.)
is there anyway that one may reproduce this article when selling CJR's, i.e. give these instructions to kids on paper or via the internet? Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree from CJR YEAH! (1 year 287 days ago.)
My data disk CD "CHINESE JUMP ROPE YEAH!" is available for purchase through my website.....cost is only $5.00. CJR purchasers could always be referred to my website or to this link for play directions. My book-although out of print-is sometime still available online through Amazon. Feel free to email me with more specific questions. The material is copyrighted but should a jumper choose to print out my article on their own from the net, I would say, "Happy Jumping!" Respond to this comment
» left by Melanie from California (1 year 193 days ago.)
Thanks a Bunch! My Kids got chinese jump ropes in their stockings and I couldn't remember much on how to play the game. We will have a blast playing together now that we've got some instruction. Respond to this comment
» left by Debbie Seigler from Texas Panhandle (1 year 186 days ago.)
Sheree, Do you include the game that goes something like this....player stands to side of rope, w/right foot, taps inside rope loop then hooks rope and carries it over far right rope then back. This is done 5 times. Player switches sides and with left foot, repeats. I recall a few other moves using the Chinese Jump Rope but not enough to teach our 3rd grade class. If this game is on your CD, I would like to get one on order. Also, if possible, is there any way I can get the directions for this specific game today if I have already paid for the whole set? It's raining here today and I'm desperate for a way to occupy our young girls!
Debbie, Texas Panhandle Respond to this comment
» left by laura from roswell nm (1 year 169 days ago.)
yes this article was very helpful i used to know how to play but after the years past i forgot and know with this steps i remembered it really helped refresh my memrey
» left by Lorna Bryant from Falkirk, Scotland (1 year 75 days ago.)
Been at a family fun day with the kids, someone came out with chinese ropes, but is there not a rhyme rather than words that you can jump to? Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree (1 year 75 days ago.)
Yes! Here's a couple to get you started.
"Old Mrs Mason broke her basin
On the way to London Station.
How much did it cost?
One, two, three, four.''
"Charlie Chaplin sat on a pin.
How many inches did it go in?
One, two, three, four.' Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree (1 year 72 days ago.)
wow-thanks for moving the conversation forward. Respond to this comment
» left by n\a from n\a (1 year 64 days ago.)
no it was the same thing i just saw on another site! though it gave some great moves! it just needs some harder things to do! Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne Stewart from Quincy, WA (1 year 52 days ago.)
Did amyone answer Debbie Seigler's question about the "other" chinese jump rope game? I would like to know that game too. It was the one I played as a kid. About 8 responses up. THANKS! Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree (1 year 52 days ago.)
It might be Bunny Hops...did you check the game on the website? Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne Stewart from Quincy, WA (1 year 52 days ago.)
No, I will type in Bunny Hops and see what I get. Thanks. I am also a school counselor and I am looking for something for 4-6 grade girls to do to keep them busy at recess. Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne Stewart from Quincy, WA (1 year 52 days ago.)
Okay, I googled it and found nothing. Any hints? Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree (1 year 51 days ago.)
See my name at the top of this article? Click on Chinese Jump Rope and that will take you to the site....Bunny Hops is on the Jump! page. Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne from Quincy, WA (1 year 51 days ago.)
THANKS a bunch!! Have a great school year! Respond to this comment
» left by Cate (1 year 29 days ago.)
I remember playing this and playing Salt & Pepper and Sweet & Sour. I can't remember if we just said Salt, Salt, Salt, Salt, every time we jumped in, out, side, side, on, in, out, or if there was more to it? Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree (1 year 29 days ago.)
I've heard the rhyme often chanted with Double Dutch? Has anyone else heard the Salt rhyme used while playing Chinese Jump Rope? Respond to this comment
» left by Rebekah L Soethe, NAC from Puyallup, WA 09371 (264 days 17 hours ago.)
My Mormon friends taught me. Thats all they were allowed to play with dresses and nylons on. I was raised lady-like, but we wore pants a lot too. I found my old one just in time for Chinese New Year! I'm trying to teach the neighbor girl. My daughter is almost 4 so she has some development to go, but she's willing to try anything new and fun. We have to use the library for books. Thanks for the ideas. Shalom! Respond to this comment
» left by Rebekah Soethe from Puyallup, WA (264 days 17 hours ago.)
Isn't there a second level were you twist the rope in the middle and jump between the crosses or the jumper carefully tucks their foot and takes the rope with them to other side. very difficult. or Cross legs, both ways. So you make an asterix with your steps; kind of like a scottish sword dance. you get a rhythm going so you jump between steps... Theres also a bamboo pole dance we did in PE but forget what culture-2 poles held by 2 people, sliding on 2 more shorter ones-tap, tap. slide...dont remember steps. Can you research this for me, post it, or email me where else to look? Thanx. Shalom. Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree (264 days 12 hours ago.)
Hi Rebekah! Thanks for relating the memory--wow, remember those days when lady-like behavior was measured by how girls dressed? I think your daughter will love the simple jumps and before long, she will be teaching you a new game. :) Enjoy! Respond to this comment
» left by Sheree (264 days 12 hours ago.)
The game you describe is called Tinikling . If you search on the word, you will find more information on this dance from the Phillipines. Check out YouTube for some great videos of dancers skipping through the bamboo! Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (218 days ago.)
Visit my website for further instructions....or order the CD--CJR YEAH!--to view lots of great visuals with the sequences illustrated to view the actual jumping patterns. Respond to this comment
» left by Alida from Ct. (203 days 18 hours ago.)
we made our jump ropes by hooking rubber bands together.Now I'm hoping do do this with my after school class. The kids enjoy doing new things even if they're centuries old. Thanks for the instructions and many happy memories of the schoolyard. Respond to this comment
» left by S from Florida (203 days 13 hours ago.)
I did the very same! Thanks for the kudos and Happy Jumping! Respond to this comment
» left by Donna from Australia (99 days 17 hours ago.)
During the school holidays we found the elastic in a toy store. We needed the rules to play. Hours of fun for three little girls. Thanks for the help!
» left by Tatiana Rodriguez from Bogotá- Colombia (76 days 9 hours ago.)
Thanks so much!!!!! as a child i used to play in school, but now that i´m a mother of three, i completly forgot how to play. you made us very happy!!!!!
» left by Sheree from Florida (75 days 9 hours ago.)
Many Happy Jumping returns of the day to you!
» left by TONY from LOS Angeles (1 hour ago.) New Comment!
I LOVE CHINISE JUMP ROLE
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