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Traditional

Chinese Garter

Also called Chinese jump rope, Garter, Elastics

Two players hold a stretched elastic band at rising heights while the others jump over it without getting caught.

people
4–12
time
15 min
energy
High
materials
Cheap to buy
Kids-safeChurch-safe
Watch it played
What you need1
How to play4

Before you start

Split into two teams. Two members of the holding team stand 2–3 m apart with the loop stretched between them at ankle height.

  1. 1Each jumper must clear the garter without getting tangled. At higher levels, hooking a foot over and pulling the garter down is allowed as long as you land on the other side.
  2. 2When every jumper on the team clears a level, the garter moves up: ankle, knee, thigh, waist, chest, shoulder, head, then above the head.
  3. 3A jumper who misses can be 'saved' by a teammate who clears the same level for them.
  4. 4If the whole team fails a level, the teams switch: the jumping team holds the garter and the other team starts at the bottom.
What to say3
  1. 1“Garter at the ankles — easy one, everyone over!”
  2. 2“Waist level! Who's got the moves?”
  3. 3“Above the head — this is the cartwheel round!”
Host tips3
  • Holders 'accidentally' raise the garter as someone jumps. Assign the next team's holders, or have holders keep a hand flat on their body at the agreed height.
  • Players in skirts or dresses won't attempt the high levels, and shouldn't be pushed to. Announce the 'save' rule so they can hand off to a teammate.
  • The game drags at the top levels. Set a 15-minute cap and the team on the highest level wins.
Variants2

  • Fixed heights

    Agree on only 5 levels (ankle to waist) for younger kids and mixed groups. The first team to clear waist wins.

  • Two-band

    Holders stand inside the loop so there are two parallel bands; jumpers land on the bands in patterns.

Safety3
  • High levels involve cartwheels and kicks — play on grass or mats, never concrete.
  • A stretched elastic snaps back hard if a holder lets go; holders must lower it, not release it.
  • Not suitable for seniors or pregnant guests as jumpers; holders only.
Good for

Occasions

SchoolBirthdayFiestaReunion

Venues

OutdoorIndoor, largeChurch hall
If this one dies early4