Research: Jump Rope Improves Focus, Agility and Joy in Children

Can a jump rope enhance a child's physical skills – and at the same time improve their ability to focus?
According to new research (Woodard & Chen, 2024), the answer is yes. A freestyle jump rope program can provide multiple benefits for children, from better coordination to increased enjoyment in physical activity.

New study on primary school students: Jump rope works

A total of 109 third- and fourth-grade students (ages 8–9) participated in the study. The students were divided into three groups:

• Teacher-led group (TEA)

• Video-led group (VID)

• Control group (no jump rope)

After eight PE lessons, the researchers measured the students' development in several areas:

• Jump rope proficiency (30-second jump test, crisscross trick)

• Agility (shuttle run)

• Balance

• Inhibitory control (Stroop test)

• Physical activity level and perceived enjoyment

Results: Benefits for both body and mind

• 🔸 All groups improved in the 30-second jump test – even basic practice increased skill.

• 🔸 The teacher-led and video groups improved in freestyle techniques, such as the crisscross jump.

• 🔸 The teacher-led group improved the most in agility.

• 🔸 Inhibitory control (focus and self-regulation) improved in the teacher-led and video groups.

• 🔸 Enjoyment was highest in the early lessons, but remained stable overall.

What does this mean?

The study confirms that freestyle jump rope is not just play – it's active learning at its best.

• It builds motor skills, rhythm and body control

• Enhances focus and impulse control

• Provides joy and motivation to move and try new things

Which teaching method works best?

The results clearly show that teacher-led instruction produced the best overall outcomes. This encourages PE teachers and instructors to actively guide students through new techniques and skills, rather than relying only on passive video instruction.

Jump rope belongs in every child's everyday life – at school and at home

This study reinforces something many teachers and parents already know:
Jump rope is a fun, affordable, and effective way to support children's development.

Whether you are a PE teacher, principal, parent or coach, including a jump rope in your child's daily life is a small step that can have a big impact.

• It doesn't require much space or equipment

• Encourages free and creative movement

• Helps build confidence and skill

💡 Looking for a child-friendly jump rope? Ropee offers a wide range of size-specific ropes – including the ever-popular Ropee Candy.

👉 Read more about children's jump ropes and their benefits

🎈 Give a child a rope and a moment of time – and watch what happens.
There's rhythm, motion, joy – and just a little bit of magic in every spin.

Source:

Woodard, K.F. & Chen, Y. (2024). Effects of Jump Rope Lessons on Physical Skills, Inhibitory Control, and Perceived Enjoyment of Elementary Students. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2023-0388