How to Make a Double Dutch Jump Rope

Double Dutch is a jump-roping game enjoyed by many children and adults. The game became popular as an urban sport, when Det. David A. Walker and Ulysses Williams revived the game and formulated the American Double Dutch League in 1974. But its origins date to the times of the ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Phoenicians. The game obtained its name when the Dutch immigrated to New York. The game is played with two ropes or one very long rope that is doubled, and then two people turn while another person, or a few people, jump.

Instructions

1. Cut the cord into two, even pieces. Some people prefer to leave the double Dutch rope as one piece so it can wrap around the waist of one of the turners. Leaving it as one piece also allows for more double Dutch tricks, such as the turner jumping as she turns.

2. Pull each end of the rope through its own handle. Tie a knot, then pull to secure.

3. Stretch out the ropes to make sure they are the same length. If not, make the adjustment to the longer rope.

Tips & Warnings

• Attaching handles to the ropes are not always necessary. The rope will easily turn without the handles. Use a heavy rope, such as a cable wire cord or a plastic-coated clothes line, to give the rope more weight. This is important because the rope will turn evenly even if it's windy outside.

• Use caution around small children and other people standing nearby so they do not get hit by the spinning rope or by the jumpers entering and leaving the rope.

References

• The History of Double Dutch

Resources

• The History of Double Dutch
• How to Jump Double Dutch
• Double Dutch