How to Turn Double Dutch Rope

Double dutch jump rope has been around for thousands of years, with the ancient Egyptians and Chinese playing a form of the sport as they worked at rope weaving. Dutch settlers brought the game to America in colonial times. In this century, double dutch jump rope has become a competitive sport, with players forming teams and competing in leagues. Double dutch jump rope isn't just for children, either, as adults have taken up the game as a fun form of exercise.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 16-foot jump ropes
• 2 people (three people if you want a jumper)

1. Pick up the ropes. Each person should have one end of a jump rope in each hand.

2. Walk apart from each other until there is enough tension on the rope so that the rope is taut.

3. Ensure that the ropes are at waist level. Your elbows should be in front of your body and held shoulder length apart.

4. Start turning the ropes. Turn your hands toward each other, so your hands are heading toward your belly button instead of toward your sides. Use your forearm to turn the rope, instead of your whole arm or your wrists.

5. Put the ropes in the correct rhythm. They should hit the floor separately. When one rope is up in the air, the other rope should hit the floor. You can count "one, two" as the ropes turn to practice getting the rhythm.

6. Keep turning the ropes in rhythm and add a jumper when you and your partner feel comfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• To speed up the ropes, bring your arms closer to your body and move your arms faster. You can also make smaller circles with your hands. To slow the ropes down, extend your arms and move them slower. You can also make larger circles with your hands.

References

• American Double Dutch League--Basic Training Skills
• National Double Dutch League--Double Dutch History