Things That Jump

Welcome to our list of things that jump! 🦘🤸‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️

Jumping allows individuals to overcome gravity momentarily, experiencing a brief airborne phase before descending back to the ground. It’s not only a physical action but also a form of expression, sport, and a way to explore the body’s capabilities. From simple leaps to complex athletic maneuvers, jumping showcases agility, strength, and coordination.

Here’s a gallery of things that jump, with a categorised descriptive list below:

Insects

These insects showcase diverse sizes, habitats, and behaviors but share the remarkable ability to jump, which aids in their survival, movement, or defense against predators.

• Grasshoppers: Renowned for their remarkable jumping ability, propelled by their powerful hind legs.
• Fleas: Known for their extraordinary jumping capacity, reaching impressive heights relative to their size.
• Froghoppers/Spittlebugs: Small insects capable of remarkable jumps, often found in grassy areas.
• Leafhoppers: Small, wedge-shaped insects known for their jumping prowess.
• Treehoppers: Diverse insects with unique structures capable of jumping.
• Planthoppers: Known for their jumping abilities, often found in gardens or agricultural areas.
• Cricket: Some species display impressive jumping capabilities to evade predators.
• Weevils: Small beetles that can exhibit jumping behavior.
• Aphids: Some species can exhibit short jumps when disturbed.
• Katydids: Known for their jumping abilities, often found in foliage.
• Cicadas: Certain species showcase jumping behavior during their nymph stages.
• Beetles (Various Species): Some beetle species exhibit jumping movements.
• Antlions: Known for their distinctive jumping behavior, particularly in their larval stage.
• Jumping Bugs: Various bug species possess jumping abilities as a defense mechanism.
• Moths: Certain moth species display jumping behavior when threatened.
• Leaf Beetles: Some species showcase jumping as a means of escape.
• Springtails: Tiny hexapods capable of impressive jumps despite their size.
• Cockroaches: Certain species exhibit a jumping response when startled or threatened.
• Assassin Bugs: Some display jumping behavior as part of their predatory strategy.
• Stink Bugs: Certain species of stink bugs can perform short jumps.
• Water Striders: These insects use surface tension to jump and move on water bodies.
• Rove Beetles: Some species exhibit jumping movements when disturbed.
• Leaf Beetles: Various species display jumping behavior as a defense mechanism.
• Longhorn Beetles: Certain longhorn beetles can perform short jumps.
• Barklice/Booklice: Small insects capable of quick, short jumps.
• Earwigs: Some species can exhibit jumping behavior.
• Crickets (Various Species): Different cricket species are known for their hopping movements.
• True Bugs: Some true bugs, like plant bugs or seed bugs, can perform short jumps.
• Lacewings: Certain lacewing species display jumping behaviors.
• Stoneflies: Nymphs of stoneflies may exhibit jumping movements in water.
• Dobsonflies: Certain species of dobsonflies showcase jumping behaviors.
• Mantises: Young mantises or nymphs can perform short jumps.
• Centipedes: Some centipede species can make short leaps when threatened.
• Silverfish: These small insects can jump when disturbed.
• Fireflies: Some firefly species display jumping movements.
• Shield Bugs/Stink Bugs: Various species of shield bugs or stink bugs exhibit jumping behaviors.
• Burrowing Bugs: Certain species display jumping as a part of their behavior.
• Stone Beetles: Some species of stone beetles are known for their jumping abilities.
• Leafcutter Ants: In certain situations, leafcutter ants showcase jumping behavior.

Animals

These animals, diverse in size, habitats, and behaviors, exhibit impressive jumping prowess adapted for various purposes, including locomotion, escape, and hunting.

• Kangaroos: Known for their incredible hopping locomotion, utilizing their powerful hind legs.
• Frogs: These amphibians are exceptional jumpers, propelling themselves with their hind limbs.
• Rabbits: Known for their hopping movements, a form of locomotion adapted for speed.
• Wallabies: Similar to kangaroos, these marsupials exhibit strong jumping abilities.
• Cheetahs: These big cats can achieve impressive leaps during their bursts of speed.
• Mountain Lions/Cougars: Capable of impressive jumps when hunting or navigating terrain.
• Squirrels: Agile climbers that can execute remarkable leaps from tree to tree.
• Pronghorns: Known for their speed, they can perform powerful leaps while running.
• Tree Frogs: Arboreal frogs known for their agile jumping abilities.
• Hares: Similar to rabbits, hares are skilled jumpers adapted for quick escapes.
• Springboks: African antelopes known for their distinctive jumping behavior called “pronking.”
• White-Tailed Deer: Capable of clearing significant distances when jumping.
• Kudus: Large antelopes displaying impressive leaping abilities.
• Chinchillas: Small rodents known for their agility and ability to leap.
• Goats: Agile climbers and jumpers, capable of navigating difficult terrain.
• Kangaroo Rats: Small rodents with remarkable jumping abilities.
• Gazelles: Swift antelopes known for their jumping and running abilities.
• Horses: While not primarily known for jumping, horses can clear obstacles and perform jumps.
• Lynxes: These wild cats can execute impressive jumps while hunting or traversing their environment.
• Bighorn Sheep: Known for their ability to traverse rugged terrain by leaping across gaps.
• Mule Deer: Similar to white-tailed deer, these deer species display impressive jumping capabilities.
• Mouflons: Wild sheep known for their agility and leaping abilities.
• Impalas: Agile antelopes capable of remarkable leaps while escaping predators.
• Red Kangaroos: These marsupials are among the best-known and most powerful jumpers.
• Pumas: These large cats can exhibit impressive leaps while hunting or moving through their habitat.
• Wolves: While not primarily known for jumping, wolves can leap over obstacles and across streams.
• Leopards: Agile climbers that can jump with precision while hunting or moving through trees.
• Barbary Macaques: These monkeys showcase remarkable leaping abilities in their arboreal habitats.
• Tamarins: Small monkeys known for their agility and ability to jump between branches.
• Kob Antelopes: African antelopes capable of making impressive leaps during their mating displays.
• Chimpanzees: Primates known for their agility and ability to jump from tree to tree.
• Mangabeys: These monkeys exhibit agile jumping movements in their forest habitats.
• Golden Eagles: Large birds known for their powerful and graceful aerial jumps while hunting.
• Siamangs: These gibbons are skilled in leaping between branches in their forest homes.
• Jaguars: Powerful big cats capable of making impressive jumps while hunting or moving through their environment.
• Gorillas: Despite their size, gorillas can perform impressive leaps and jumps within their habitats.
• Bushbabies: Small primates with exceptional jumping skills adapted for tree-dwelling lifestyles.

Everyday Objects

Objects that jump aren’t common in the traditional sense, as jumping typically refers to an animal’s or living organism’s action. However, in a metaphorical sense, objects or things associated with movements resembling jumps might include:

• Jack-in-the-Box Toy: A classic toy that ‘jumps’ when the lid is lifted, revealing a spring-loaded figure.
• Pogo Stick: A recreational device that, when used by a person, enables jumping by using a spring mechanism.
• Popcorn: When heated, the kernels burst open, causing a sort of ‘jumping’ effect.
• Squirting Fountain: Certain fountain designs mimic a jumping motion by propelling water into the air intermittently.
• Springs: Coil or leaf springs have a potential to ‘jump’ when compressed and released abruptly.
• Automatic Pop-Up Toasters: Toasters with automatic ejection can resemble a ‘jumping’ motion when toasting is complete.
• Whack-a-Mole Game: In this arcade game, plastic moles ‘pop up’ and could be considered to have a ‘jumping’ action.
• Mexican Jumping Beans: These seed pods contain a larva that moves inside, causing the beans to twitch or ‘jump.’
• Jumping Water Streams: Water features in parks or gardens that shoot water intermittently, creating a jumping effect.
• Push Puppets: Small toys made of wood or plastic that, when pushed at the base, collapse and then ‘jump’ back up.
• Tumbling Gymnastic Dolls: Dolls with weighted bases that tumble and then spring back upright, giving a ‘jumping’ motion.
• Wind-Up Toys: Certain wind-up toys, like hopping frogs or creatures, simulate a jumping motion when wound and released.
• Sudden Popping Corn: When kernels burst unexpectedly while cooking, they demonstrate a form of ‘jumping.’
• Spring-Loaded Doorstop: When pressed against, the stopper can make a quick ‘jumping’ motion away from the door.

Machines

Machines that can jump, either due to design or intended function, are uncommon. However, there are specific devices or machines designed to mimic or replicate jumping motions:

• Jumping Robots: Some robotic prototypes and research projects aim to create robots that can leap or jump for exploration or agility.
• Hopping or Leaping Drones: Experimental drones designed to take off vertically and perform jumping or hopping movements for specific tasks.
• Jump Jet Aircraft: Aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities that include a jump-like motion during takeoff.
• Hurdle Machine for Athletics: Devices used in sports training that replicate hurdle jumps for athletes to practice.
• Bouncing or Jumping Castle: Inflatable structures designed for entertainment, allowing users to jump and bounce within a contained space.
• Jumping Fountain Nozzles: Some fountain designs include nozzles that create water jets that seem to ‘jump’ intermittently.
• Toy Spring Jack-in-the-Box: A classic toy that uses a spring mechanism to make a figure ‘jump’ when a lid is lifted.
• Spring-Mounted Seats: Some vehicle seats or suspensions have spring mechanisms that absorb shocks and provide a bounce or ‘jump’ effect.
• Bouncing Bet Tester (Vibration Testers): Devices used in material engineering to subject objects to repeated jumping or bouncing motions for testing durability.
• Ski Jump Simulator: Training machines or simulators designed to mimic the jumping motion of ski jumps for athletes’ practice.
• Jumping Fitness Trampoline: Fitness equipment with elastic surfaces that allow users to perform exercises and jumps.
• High-Jump Practice Machine: Training equipment used in track and field to simulate the jump technique for high jumpers.
• Jumping Horse Rodeo Machine: Amusement machines designed to imitate the movements of a bucking or jumping horse.
• Piston-Powered Mechanical Legs: Experimental machines or robotics equipped with pistons or hydraulics to simulate leg jumping motions.
• Mechanical Toy Jumping Frogs: Toy frogs or creatures that use mechanical movements to ‘jump’ when wound up or activated.
• Hurdle Simulation Trainer: Devices used in athletic training to mimic hurdle jumping motions for practice.
• Ejector Seats: Mechanisms in aircraft that forcefully propel the seat and pilot out during emergencies, akin to a controlled jump.
• Leapfrog Toy for Children: A plaything designed for children that imitates the leapfrog movement when pressed.
• Jumping Spider Toy: Battery-operated toys that imitate the movements of a jumping spider.
• Electronic Pogo Ball: A modern take on the traditional pogo stick, equipped with electronic components for interactive play.
• Toy Jumping Beans: Small toys or figurines designed to ‘jump’ when activated or pressed.
• Jumping Beam in Laser Shows: Laser light shows might include projections that create a ‘jumping’ effect by rapid beam movements.

Sports and Activities

These activities require different forms of jumping—vertical, horizontal, or as part of maneuvers—to perform specific skills or achieve goals within the sport or activity.

• Basketball: Involves various forms of jumping—shooting, dunking, rebounding, and blocking.
• Volleyball: Jumping for serves, spikes, blocks, and digs is crucial in this sport.
• High Jump: An athletic field event where athletes aim to jump over a horizontal bar at the greatest height.
• Long Jump: Athletes sprint down a runway and jump horizontally into a sandpit after taking off from a marked area.
• Triple Jump: Combines hop, step, and jump in a sequence where athletes aim for distance.
• Pole Vault: Athletes use a pole to jump over a high bar after a sprint down a runway.
• Hurdles: Track and field event where athletes sprint and jump over barriers.
• Trampoline Gymnastics: Involves performing acrobatic moves while bouncing on a trampoline.
• Parkour: Free-running activity that involves jumping, climbing, and moving rapidly through urban environments.
• Gymnastics: Various disciplines in gymnastics involve jumping, including floor exercises, vault, and beam routines.
• Figure Skating: Includes jumps like toe loops, axels, and salchows in routines.
• Snowboarding/Skiing: Freestyle disciplines like big air and slopestyle involve aerial tricks requiring jumping.
• Freerunning: Similar to parkour but with more expressive movements and acrobatics, often including jumps.
• Dance: Certain dance styles incorporate jumps and leaps, like ballet and contemporary dance.
• Horse Jumping: Equestrian sport where horse and rider navigate a course of obstacles, including jumps.
• Water Polo: Players leap out of the water to shoot or block the ball.
• Fencing: Utilizes jumps, lunges, and quick footwork during attacks and defenses.
• Cheerleading: Includes jumps as part of routines and performances.
• Rock Climbing: Some climbing techniques involve dynamic movements or jumps between holds.
• Calf Roping: Rodeo event where riders jump off horses to tie up a calf’s legs.
• Skateboarding: Incorporates various jumps and aerial tricks.
• Circus Arts: Performers execute jumps in trapeze, tightrope, and aerial acts.
• Horseback Riding (Show Jumping): Riders guide horses through courses with jumps.
• Rhythmic Gymnastics: Includes jumps, leaps, and acrobatic elements in routines.
• Acrobatics: Involves jumps and aerial maneuvers in performance routines.
• Ballet: Classical dance form with elaborate jumps and leaps.
• Ice Hockey: Players jump to avoid opponents or when performing maneuvers.
• Ski Jumping: Competitive sport where skiers jump off ramps for distance.
• Circus Trampoline Acts: Performers execute intricate jumps on trampolines.
• Barefoot Waterskiing: Involves jumps and tricks while being pulled by a boat.
• Longboarding: Similar to skateboarding, includes jumps and tricks on longer boards.
• Pogo Stick Tricks: Pogo stick enthusiasts perform various jumps and stunts.
• Equestrian Vaulting: Gymnastic-like routines on horseback with jumps and acrobatics.
• Ultimate Frisbee: Players make jumps to catch or block the Frisbee.
• Rugby: Players jump during lineouts to contest for the ball.

Notable People

These individuals have made significant contributions or achieved greatness in their respective fields, displaying extraordinary jumping abilities in sports, entertainment, and athletics.

• Michael Jordan: Revered as one of basketball’s greatest players, known for his incredible vertical leap and dunking prowess.
• Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Olympic heptathlete and long jumper, holds the record for the heptathlon and excelled in long jump.
• Bob Beamon: Known for his historic long jump at the 1968 Olympics, setting a world record that stood for nearly 23 years.
• Sergei Bubka: Ukrainian pole vaulter, known for setting multiple world records in pole vaulting.
• Simone Biles: Renowned gymnast with remarkable jumping abilities showcased in her floor routines and vault performances.
• Usain Bolt: While famous for sprinting, Bolt’s explosive power also allowed him to cover ground with impressive strides.
• Fosbury Flop Inventor Dick Fosbury: Revolutionized high jumping by introducing the backward approach known as the Fosbury Flop.
• Carl Lewis: Renowned for his long jumping ability, Lewis dominated track and field in the 1980s.
• Stefka Kostadinova: Bulgarian high jumper who set the world record for women’s high jump in 1987.
• Kenenisa Bekele: Ethiopian long-distance runner, known for his finishing kick and bounding strides.
• Evel Knievel: Famous daredevil known for his motorcycle jumping stunts, attempting to clear various obstacles.
• Yelena Isinbayeva: Renowned pole vaulter from Russia, holds multiple world records in the event.
• Nadia Comăneci: Legendary gymnast remembered for her exceptional jumping and acrobatic skills.
• Dwight Phillips: American former long jumper, won multiple world championships and an Olympic gold medal.
• Shawn Johnson: Olympic gymnast recognized for her impressive jumps in floor routines and vaulting.

🦘🤸‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️

We hope this list of things that jump was useful and that you found what you needed!

We did our best to cover all of the varied meanings of “jump” with our visual gallery of jumping things and descriptive list. But if you feel there’s something we missed, please feel free to let us know and leave a comment.

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