How it works
Two skippers stand side by side with a rope each and swap one handle, then turn the two ropes one after the other so they jump in turn, like a turning wheel.
Why partner skipping matters
skip-hop coach Lee Collinson-James has used partner skipping for 25 years to help children learn to skip. It’s the doorway that unlocks the mystery of turning a rope and jumping, and putting the two together. It can give a child their first ever experience of being inside a turning rope, and their first step towards understanding how a moving rope and bouncing feet fit together.
Partner skipping is surely one of the most effective ways to develop children’s physical health and spatial awareness. None of it is possible without the three C’s: cooperation, coordination, concentration.
It is that eureka, “I can do it” moment that can make the most reticent child into an active teenager. I have first-hand experience of this: lifelong adult skippers.
For a child who is struggling to skip, start face to face with them: Lee’s tips for SEND pupils and young skippers.
Teach the Chinese wheel with the All-Access Skip Pass
Everything a teacher needs to teach this skill to a whole class, from skip-hop coach Lee Collinson-James:
- The skip-hop video of this skill, with ½× and ¼× slow motion
- The front crawl drill for turning the arms independently
- Step-by-step teaching: swap handles, back rope first, then the second rope
- Spot the fault, with the fix
- A pupil self-check
£149 a year for the whole school, or 6 months free with the whole-school rope set.
Chinese wheel
This skill isn't part of a Skipping Award yet but it's a great one for lessons, clubs and playtimes.
In the scheme of work
This skill isn't in the scheme of work lessons yet. It's a great one for skipping clubs and playtimes.
What you need
A longer rope gives two skippers room. skip-hop ropes are designed specifically for the skills shown on this site.
SEND and inclusion
Make it work for everyone
Ideas for pupils with SEND, and for anyone who finds Chinese wheel hard. Change one thing at a time.
What usually makes it hard: Two skippers keeping one rhythm.
- CommunicationA slow, spoken count.
- TaskWalk through it before turning the ropes.
- PeopleA familiar partner.
Seated or no-jump version. The seated pupil turns a rope in time with their partner.
An adapted pass is still a pass on the Skipping Awards. Use your own judgement and each pupil’s care plan. More in SEND and inclusion at skip-hop. Pupil struggling to get started? Try Lee’s tips for pupils who are struggling to skip.