[Rec] Challenge! A roundup of jump rope tricks and techniques
One exercise everyone is familiar with: jump rope.
Of course it’s a playground game, but since it’s also part of elementary school P.E.
classes, people of all ages have tried it.
That said, jump rope is also a prestigious sport with world championships.
Which means there are lots of so-called “tricks” as well.
In this article, we’ve compiled jump rope moves and techniques!
We’ve picked a wide range—from the most basic ways to jump to those that require quite a bit of practice.
It’s content we hope both adults and kids will try!
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[Recreation] Challenge! Jump Rope Tricks and Techniques (11–20)
running jump
Running-in-place jump rope, known as “jogging steps,” is a basic technique, but it’s surprisingly easy to trip up and hard to keep going for long.
There are two variations: jogging with alternating left and right steps while the rope makes a single turn, and switching feet once with each turn of the rope.
For both, effective practice methods include “air jump rope” (imagining the motion without holding a rope), “one-hand jump rope” (swinging the rope with one hand while jogging), and “hop-on-one-foot jumps.” Give them a try!
butt hop
Jumping seriously is great, but why not try getting some laughs with a goofy way of jumping too? If that sounds fun, give the “butt jump” a try! The butt jump is exactly what it sounds like: sit with your legs straight out, hold the rope in one hand, swing it sideways, and hop over it using your butt.
You’ll need a suitable spot since you’ll be sitting on the ground, but it’s perfect to show off as a funny performance.
After you’ve grabbed some laughs with the butt jump, switch to a more serious trick—the contrast will definitely captivate your audience!
caboose
“Caboose” is a jump rope trick where you thread both hands from the front through between your legs so your hands end up behind you, then swing the rope and jump.
If you keep the threaded hand position to turn the rope, it’s called a “Caboose Open,” and if you cross your arms after threading, it’s called a “Caboose Cross.” Because you have to spin the rope and jump while squatting in an unstable position, the trick is quite difficult, but once you can do it, you’ll definitely impress others.
If you’re comfortable with basic moves like side swings, cross jumps, and double unders, give it a try.
Kruger
“Kruger” is one of the leg-over moves where the hands pass under the leg.
You pass the rope-holding hands from the inside to the outside of your leg and do a basic forward jump with one leg lifted.
First, thread your hands through and lift your leg, check your form, then try jumping.
Once you can do that, practice entering the Kruger position from a regular forward jump and actually execute the jump.
When returning from Kruger to a forward jump, you can switch directly, but inserting a side cross (one rotation at your side) or a regular cross (jumping with crossed hands) helps you transition smoothly—give those a try as well.
toad
The “toad” is a jump rope trick that combines a cross and passing your hand under your leg.
Once you can do a side swing cross (AS) and a cross, try the toad! Practice the form of crossing the rope and threading the lower hand under your leg, then start combining it with jumps.
You can enter from a basic forward jump, do consecutive toads, or alternate forward jumps and toads like an “AS” pattern.
It’s a skill with many variations to enjoy, so if you’re aiming to become an advanced jumper, be sure to master it.
chantAdo
Rhythm jump rope set to Ado’s song “Show” seems like it would be even more exciting, with the uptempo, powerful vocals boosting the energy! Before you start jumping, try some light body loosening to ease tension—this will help you enter the rhythm smoothly when you begin.
During the slower parts of the song, incorporate crisscross jumps by crossing your arms.
It’s easier if you cross the rope slightly lower, near your lower body.
For the challenge section, add your favorite signature tricks to finish in style!
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s “Lilac” is a perfect fit for rhythm jump rope.
During the chorus, when doing two-beat jumps, it’s easy to look down and lose your posture, so try to keep your gaze forward and jump while feeling the rhythm.
The challenge section is the main highlight of rhythm jump rope! Incorporate double unders, focus on spinning the rope quickly and jumping high, and give it your best.
If you’re up for it, adding moves like backward double unders or the Hayabusa is also recommended.
Become the windAyano Tsuji
Ayano Tsuji’s “Kaze ni Naru” features gentle ukulele tones and a soft, refreshing vocal that really enhances the charm of rhythm jump rope.
In the chorus, try incorporating two-beat jumps and running steps—moves that make it easy to match the rhythm.
In the latter half, the criss-cross gets a bit faster.
The key is to keep your arms from spreading too wide, minimize your movements, and cross while you jump.
Adjust how you swing the rope so you can land your tricks smoothly in time with the music—good luck!
In conclusion
Even for the same tricks, if you search video sites, you’ll find plenty of helpful tutorials for each one—so be sure to check them out. You might even discover new tricks that aren’t listed here. Get moving with jump rope and energize your day!