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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) and via MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/chinesejumprope). 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. "Chinese Jump Rope" is an out of print title, available for purchase through major booksellers, such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Ms. Marty invites readers to visit her online blog, Happy Jumping! at http://blog.myspace.com/chinesejumprope.