How to do it
You need: Chalk or flat floor spots, A clear, flat, non-slip space.
Draw a simple hopscotch grid with chalk outside, or lay out flat floor spots indoors on a non-slip surface. Make sure the landing area is clear and even.
- Warm up with a few two-footed jumps on the spot together.
- Ask your child to hop forwards from spot to spot on the stronger leg first.
- Then try a few hops on the injured leg, staying close in case they need a hand.
- Play a short game of hopscotch, hopping on the single spots and landing on two feet on the double spots.
- Finish with gentle two-footed jumps and a walk around.
Form cues
- Your child lands softly through the whole foot with the knee bent, not stiff and straight.
- The knee points forwards over the toes on landing, rather than rolling inwards.
- Your child can steady themselves within a step or two after landing.
Common mistakes
- Moving to single-leg hops before your child can jump and land on two feet without pain.
- Hopping on a hard, uneven or slippery surface.
- Pushing for more hops when your child is limping, favouring the leg, or getting tired.
Safety: Stop and message your child's physio if your child has increasing pain, a limp that does not settle, or is much more tired or unsettled than usual.