How to Jump Hold Ropes in Double Dutch

Double Dutch jump rope was introduced to America by the Dutch settlers in the early 1600s. It involves using two ropes instead of the typical one-rope method. It takes some skill to jump Double Dutch, but once you learn it can be a lot of fun. You will need a minimum of three people to play, so grab some friends and learn how to Double Dutch.

Things You'll Need

• 2 jump ropes

Instructions

1. Start with two people holding the jump ropes. Each person must grab the end of the first rope in one of their hands, and the end of the second rope in the other hand.

2. Stand at an appropriate distance. Each of the holders must stand far enough away from each other so that the two ropes just barely hit the surface of the ground at their middles. Holding the ropes too tightly will not allow for proper swinging or jumping.

3. Practice spinning the ropes. You have to create a rhythm for the turners as well as the jumpers. The rhythm will keep the entire jumping and spinning session in sync.

4. Starting with one rope, spin it towards the center using the normal jump rope method. Follow this up by adding the second rope just as the first rope is completing its rotation. Continue to alternate the jump ropes as you spin them. Once the turners have mastered this part of Double Dutch, get the jumpers ready.

5. Jumpers jump in. Depending on the amount of jumpers you have, each one will start by jumping into the center of the spinning ropes.

6. Jumpers must remember that unlike jumping with one rope where you jump up using both feet simultaneously, instead jump from foot to foot as the ropes pass underneath. One rope will hit under the left foot, and then quickly the second rope will hit under the right foot.

7. Feel the rhythm of the ropes. Each participant in Double Dutch, the jumpers and the turners, must get a rhythm going for the game to continue. If one person is off, it won't work. You should have a smooth flow between the ropes, jumpers and turners.

8. Sing. This helps with rhythm. You can pace the jumping and the rope turning along with a tune. Once you have everything in check, you can all work on increasing the speed.

Tips & Warnings

• Start slowly. Spinning the ropes slower will allow for everyone to learn the skills of Double Dutch.

• The length of the ropes will determine the number of jumpers that can be included. The longer the ropes, the more jumpers you can have.

• Be sure that all involved are in good health. Double Dutch can be exhausting.