How to Start A Jump Rope Team

You can't skip steps to a jump rope team.

Starting a jump rope team is a community effort that involves participation of a multi-generational group. Even if your team jumpers are school-aged, siblings, parents and grandparents will be involved to some extent. Being part of a team is appealing for many reasons, including peer recognition, social interaction, skill mastery and improved fitness. Belonging to an organized group promotes personal accountability, confidence, discipline, leadership and teamwork.

Things You'll Need

• Jump ropes
• Qualified coach
• Location
• Activity plan

Instructions

1. Use jump ropes of various lengths for your team practices. Short ropes and long ropes will be necessary for both individual and group-jumping techniques. The least expensive and most durable essential will be the conditioning rope made of white PVC material. Add beaded freestyle ropes later when affordable. The second most essential will be long ropes for double Dutch and multiple jumpers. Order a spool of 3/8-inch cloth yacht braid directly from a manufacturer; cut and knot the ends in lengths of 12 feet, 14 feet, 16 feet and at least one 36-foot length.

2. Designate yourself or another experienced, qualified person as coach. Identify supportive parents and appoint them as interim officers until the formation of an executive board. The board will be essential for team growth. Choose team captains from each age group based on their leadership abilities.

3. Find a suitable location, such as a school or recreational facility where you can promote your program through the facility channels. Consider a convenient location for your participants in a safe area. Multi-purpose rooms, gyms, sports courts and recreation rooms can all work well. An ideal surface is one with "give," such as a wood floor used for aerobics or basketball.

4. Research the best practice times for your target participants. Before- or after-school programs are appealing to working parents looking for quality involvement for their children. Consider a time that does not compete with other popular sport practices.

5. Create a media kit and a compelling press release. Present your program to area schools and PTAs. Schedule workshops and team tryouts at neighborhood recreation centers. Perform demonstrations that include audience participation. The American Heart Association promotes annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraisers, so get involved.

6. Choose a team name, team colors, logo and select a uniform. Team uniforms can be a simple pair of soccer-type shorts and a logo T-shirt. Consider a polo-type collared shirt of a quality cotton knit that will be durable through wash and wear. Athletic-type shoes are necessary for both practice and performance. Keep hair off the faces, and secure long hair with elastics and barrettes.

7. Commit to at least a nine-month schedule of motivating performance opportunities, local parades, school performances and special events. Hold parent presentations and mock tournaments to give recognition, and present awards frequently. The Amateur Athletic Union and USA Jump Rope regional tournaments are qualifiers for the Junior Olympics and National Championships.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect to develop your team for at least a year before qualifying in regional competitions. Host casual local competitions several times a year, and offer skills workshops to recruit new members.

• Do not attempt to coach jumpers in gymnastics, but they can be allowed to incorporate existing skills into jump-rope freestyle.

References

• Skipsations Jump Rope Team

Resources

• Promotional Documentary Video
• International Organization for Jump Rope Sport