Pairs of players, a length of ribbon or rope kept taut between them, and the challenge of building creative shapes together while moving around the space. Ribbon Figures turns a skipping rope into something closer to dance than sport.
What you need
One skipping rope, or a length of ribbon or fabric, per pair. Open space. Up to 20 players in pairs.
How to play
Split players into pairs and give each pair one rope or ribbon. The challenge is to move around the space together while keeping the rope taut between them at all times, using it to create different shapes and poses as they go, combining jumps, turns, and even simple tumbles if the pair is confident enough. There is no fixed goal beyond creativity: pairs are free to invent their own sequence of movements, and spectators can applaud whichever figures they find most inventive or impressive.
Variations
Run it as a small competition between several pairs, or small teams, with simple local music or a song to accompany the performance, and a panel of a few older children or parents judging the most creative sequence.
Safety notes
The rope needs to stay taut, not loose, both for the look of the activity and to avoid tripping hazards, so this is worth stating as the one real rule. Check that the ground is clear and even before adding jumps or tumbles.
Why it works
Unlike most of the games on this list, there is no winning or losing built into the basic version, which makes it a good fit for children who are less drawn to competitive games but still want to move, create, and be part of the group.
