How to Jump Double Dutch

Double Dutch is playing jump rope with two ropes and two people jumping simultaneously. This involves four people total, two jumping and two turning the ropes. While the jump-roping is going on, the two persons turning the ropes often recite rhymes in rhythm. An example:

"Ice cream soda with a cherry on top,
whose your boyfriend, let's find out
Is it A, B, C, D,..."

Double Dutch started as a street game, but now has advanced to competitions with awards and prizes, and is being considered as a serious sport for the Olympics.

Steps   

  1. Gather the four people needed to play the game.
  2. Choose the two who will turn the ropes and who will actually jump.
  3. Jump through the ropes, back and forth, turning around, jumping on one foot.
  4. Sing the special songs that are sung by the rope turners, and the jumpers jump in rhythm.
  5. Recognize that you play against teams, the teams make up two turners and two jumpers.
  6. As a street game, you make up the rules of who goes first and how many games you have to jump in order to win. When playing in competition, you follow the rules of the 'game', just like any competition that awards trophies and prizes.
  7. Celebrate for doing it, whether your jump was long or not. It's all about having fun.


Tips   

  • While learning how to jump Double Dutch, start out slowly. You have to learn the basic jumps first. Success takes excellent coordination and dedication.
  • When first starting, if your spinners know how, you can start in the middle.
  • If your spinners don't, however, you'll need to jump in. You need to jump when there is an opening in the ropes, and you'll need to jump over the rope that is closest to you as it's coming down. It's easier to jump in from a diagonal. After several tries, you should have the hang of it.
  • To learn, find two friends to turn the rope, and you can practice alone. Then you can be one of the turners, and one of your friends will practice jumping.
  • When you each learn, you can find another group to compete with.
  • The most important idea is to have fun and get moving.


Warnings   

  • Make sure you are in excellent health before dutch jumping. It takes a lot of energy.
  • If you are not sure of your health, check with a doctor before Double Dutch jumping. If you have any heart problems, or illnesses that will affect your heart, do not Double Dutch until you get checked out by your Doctor. This is sport requiring a high level of fitness and can cause heart strain.


Things You'll Need   

  • Double Dutch ropes
  • Two people to turn
  • 1 or 2 jumpers