Jump Rope Lessons - Learn to Jump Rope Like a Pro

Looking for some jump rope lessons so you can jump rope like a pro? Learning how to jump rope takes time and patience, but it is a skill that can be quickly learned. After a few weeks of jump rope lessons, you should be able to jump rope while performing a number of different movements.

Below I will detail the steps I used to become a great jump roper. So let's get started on how to jump rope.

The Basics

What Rope Should I Use?

I like jump ropes with ball bearings in them. They are a little more expensive, but they flow nicer and last longer. If you are on a budget, any plastic one will do. You can find a variety of jump ropes here.

The rope should be long enough that when you stand on it and pull it tight, your hands should be just below armpit level. You do not want to jump rope with a rope that will trip you all the time because it's too short. I would tie knots in my rope if it was too long.

Jumping Surface

Sometimes the surface you jump on can trip you up. Carpet makes your rope bounce higher, so you will have to jump higher. For your jump rope lessons, try to jump on flat, even surfaces. Uneven surfaces can cause you to injure your joints or roll your ankle. Be safe.

How Do I Jump

This may seem like common sense, but there is a right and wrong way to jump. When jumping rope, normally, you should come off the ground only a few inches. If you jump too high, you will tire yourself out very quickly.

Make sure you are always on the balls of your feet. Your heels should never touch the ground.

For your first jump rope lesson, try to jump with both feet together without using your rope. This will give you a chance to practice keeping your jumps low without having to worry about hitting the rope.

Next, try alternating between feet. Hop on one foot then hop on the other while swinging your wrists in a circuclar motion.

When you are comfortable with that, grab your jump rope and trying jumping with the it in one hand only. Circle the rope to your side to get used to that motion while jumping.

Once you have that down, you are ready to use both hands and jump through the rope.

Holding The Jump Rope

Again, this may seem common sense, but make sure you are not holding on to the handles for dear life. Hold them loosely. If not, you will tire out the muscles in your forearms and thumbs too quickly.

You want to keep your hands about waste height and sleightly off your body. When you jump rope, most of your movement should be in your wrists, not your shoulders or elbows.

When you are able to jump for a bit without tripping on the rope, try incorporating some of the moves below to your jump rope routine.

Basic Jump

Both feet are slightly apart and jump at the same time.

Alternating Foot Jump

This style of jumping consists of alternating feet while you jump rope. Think of it as jogging while jumping rope.

Skip Step

This technique requires you to be able to do the Alternating Foot Jump. You will hop twice on one foot while lifting the other foot back, and then kicking it front. Then you switch to the other leg and do the same thing.

Take your time and keep practicing. I could barely jump a rope for 10 seconds when I started. Now I can go for 15-20 minutes no problem.

More Advanced Moves

High Jump - Jump as high as you can while jumping rope.

Criss-cross - Try criss-crossing your arms back and forth in front of your body while you jump rope.

Double Time - Try having the rope go around two times per jump. You will have to jump a little higher for this. Some people can even do 5 reps per jump!

Leg Under X Cross your left hand under your right leg and your right hand under your left leg to make an X. Try jumping rope. Tough!!

Hope you have enjoyed your jump roping lessons. If you would like to mix jumping rope with exercise try applying your jump rope lessons with plyometrics.