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Welcome to the skip-hop Introdution to Double Dutch Skipping
Double Dutch Skipping is when two people turn two ropes in opposite directions while a third person in the middle jumps over each Double Dutch Skipping Rope.
Over the last twenty years skip-hop have perfected the methods for teaching the turning of the ropes for Double Dutch Skipping and also the easiest way to get the skippers into the turning ropes. This is done using the unique skip-hop method. Once mastered you will unlock the magic that is Double Dutch Skipping.
Ropes required – 2 x 4.5m double dutch skipping ropes
Turning Double Dutch Ropes
- The turners face each other and turn the Double Dutch Ropes smoothly and accurately.
- Hands trace two circles in the air.
- You will need to imagine a line that runs down the centre of your body, your hands never cross that line in normal circumstances.
- Keep approximately one metre of the Double Dutch Rope touching the ground.
- Check your rope turner opposite for smooth turning and get them to check you.
- Practice keeping the rhythm of the Double Dutch ropes constant.
- Practice also speeding up and slowing down the rythm to allow for different skippers.
skippers new to Double Dutch Skipping are constantly changing their rhythm as they try to find one that suits them. Learn to accommodate for these fluctuations in rhythm.
Communicate with the skipper whilst turning the Double Dutch ropes, giving instructions as to whether they should alter their speed if necessary.
Entering the Double Dutch Ropes using the skip-hop method
- Skippers come in from the end, next to one of the turners B , (not from right-angles to the Double Dutch ropes until they are very confident of entering)
- If they are standing on your right, enter by stepping and jumping over the Double Dutch rope that is in your right hand as it comes round. Vice versa for the left.
- It can be useful sometimes to have two different colour Double Dutch ropes so that the skipper entering the ropes can focus on the one they need to jump over and not be overwhelmed.
- Single bounce rhythm is essential. The count of “one and two and step C, jump, jump, jump…A” can help the skipper to know when to enter the Double Dutch ropes.
- The count of “one” happens when the Double Dutch rope in the turner’s left hand strikes the ground.
- The count of “and” follows when the right-hand Double Dutch rope hits the ground and so on.
skip-hop tip: Have markings on the floor to indicate where the skipper stands, steps and jumps until they are used to entering unaided.
Have Fun – Keep Skipping
The skip-hop Team