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“5 Favorite Hula Hoop Activities”

 

1)      Boomerang Hoop

• Roll the hoop out with backspin so that it comes back.
• Easier: Younger students can start by rolling the hoop straight, before teaching them about backspin.
• Harder: Challenge proficient students to attempt to boomerang the hoop without moving their feet after releasing it!

 

2)      Musical Hoops

• Set-up- Scatter many hoops on the floor throughout the playing area. Have music at the ready.
• Rules- When music plays, students move around the gym without stepping in any hoops. When the music stops, students stop moving and walk to a hoop. They are allowed stand in any hoop, even if it is occupied (i.e. they can share!). The next round, switch the movement (i.e. skip, gallop, etc.) and then start the music. While the music is playing, remove a few of the hoops. This will force more students to share when you next stop the music. Continue removing hoops each round until there are just enough hoops for all students to fit in.

 

3)      Hoop Tag

• Set-up- Every student stands inside of a hoop that is lying on the floor. Pick one color to be “IT” (switch every minute or so).
• Rules- Students move by shuffling their feet in the hoop.One color is ‘IT’ and attempts to tag other hoops by bumping different colored hoops with theirs. When tagged, pick up your hoop and hold it over your head. To be freed, another student touches a hoop that is being held up. Once freed, drop the hoop to the ground and return to play. Note- If a student steps out of a hoop, this is the same as being tagged.

 

4)      Hoop Pass

• Students form a circle and hold hands. Without unlinking hands, students must pass their body through the hoop. The object of the game is to pass the hop around the entire circle.
• Closure Discussion- Ask students what allowed them to be the most successful (communication, teamwork, etc.)?

 

5)      Non-Manipulative Hula Hoop Fun

• Balance- Balance the hoop on different body parts. Easier: use inside edge of hoop. Harder: use outside edge.
• Turning- Spin hoop like coin.
• Transfer weight- Lay hoop on the floor. Have students place their hands inside the hoop and then switch the placement of their feet.
• Jumping/Landing- Lay hoop on the floor and ask students to jump in and out.
• Stretching- Hold the hoop over head (parallel to the floor). Count down from ten. When you get to one, drop the hoop and shout “Blast Off!”  The object is for the hoop to fall without touching any part of the body.
• Twisting- Jump rope using the hoop.
• Rolling- Roll the hoop on floor. How long before it falls or crashes?
• Curling- Lay hoop on floor and walk around it (“circumference”) balancing on the edge.