When you learn to jump rope you acquire unconsciously at the same time a delightful sense of rhythm in addition to the exercise the sport affords. In the lively
Jumping Rope Conquer Game
the players choose a leader and use a long rope which is turned at each end by two of the players. The others, in turn, follow the leader, doing everything she does, even to the turn of the head and the movement of the hands. When all is ready, the rope turning evenly and steadily toward the leader, she runs in and through to the opposite side without jumping, calling out “Follow me”; the other players do likewise. Then with the rope turning away from her she runs back in, jumps once and runs out on the opposite side. The others follow. Next the leader runs in, jumps once, then stoops and picks up a small stone or pebble, which has previously been placed near the rope, regaining her position in time to jump over the rope when it next comes to her feet. Again she stoops, lays the pebble back in place, jumps once and runs out. The others repeat this. The leader runs in, jumps first on one foot, on the other, then on both, and runs out. The others do likewise. The leader runs in, calling to one of the followers to join her. They face, grasp each other’s hands and jump. Still holding hands they raise them over their heads and jump. The others, in couples, follow in like fashion.
Jumping Rope Conquer Game.
Should the leader at any time fail, she must take an end of the rope, and the one next in line becomes leader, while the player relieved from turning goes to the bottom of the line, her turn coming last. At the first miss of the second leader the player directly following takes the leadership; each follower becomes leader in turn. When one of the followers misses she takes an end of the rope, and the player released goes to the bottom of the line to await her turn. The game continues until each player has enjoyed the distinction of being leader.
Going to Market
is a jumping-rope game played by three or more. Two turn the rope, each taking an end; they walk along, turning as they go. The other players run in at the start and jump forward at each turn of the rope, keeping pace with the rope-turners. As soon as one trips she changes places with the player at the end of the rope. The point of the game is that the entire group shall keep constantly moving forward, each player being obliged to take an end of the rope when she fails.
In the game of
Passing By