For some, learning to Jump rope is just a fun way of burning calories. However, to others, it’s a passion and profession. Those who deem it a worthy domain are likely to put more effort into mastery.
The benefits of skipping to the human body are numerous. Only 20 minutes of cutting will go a long way in building your physique internally and externally. Also, you get to burn down calories as well.
Therefore, skipping is a recommended exercise, whether or not you intend to pursue a career in it.
Key Takeaway
Learning to jump rope only requires consistency and grit. Skipping is a sport for both adults and kids,
To become a pro at skipping, you must be willing to conform and learn the basics before heading on to challenging tricks. Also, you would need to find a balance for your stance, rope grip, arm swing, etc. The need for constant practice cannot be overemphasized.
Going From Beginner to Pro in 10 Steps
Though not an extreme sport, skipping requires careful practice to attain mastery. However, becoming a pro at skipping is not rocket science. You do not even need to have excess space or equipment. All you need to do is follow guaranteed guidelines leading to success.
Skipping is effective both in adults and children. A child as young as three can begin learning how to jump rope. But, teaching kids of this age how to jump rope is not precisely an easy task.
With kids, you could only begin with the basics, teach them how to hold a rope, and swing their arms. Then, as they grow older, you can divulge the rest of the steps to them.
Now, the steps I’ll be listing below are guaranteed to make you a Skipping pro. First, however, you must possess two main virtues when learning to jump rope: hard work and consistency. Without these, you do not stand a chance of breaking a Skipping Guinness record.
Image credit: Pexels
1. Pick the Right Rope
The length and width of the rope influence how challenging your learning journey would be, so you must pick the best jump rope.
The smaller and lighter the rope, the better. However, thicker ropes also have their uses; heavy ropes will come in handy as you get more experienced.
Factors that determine the ideal role include your height, level of experience, and what kind of training you’re using it for. For example, the ideal rope should be steel ropes with medium to high density for a beginner.
2. Pick a suitable surface
You must do skipping on flat surfaces. Ensure that the surface is hard; else, the impact of your jumps may affect it. Avoid carpets and concrete floors. Opt for hardwood floors.
3. Find a stable rhythm for your bounces.
When practicing your jumps, pacing yourself with a rhythm would ensure that you don’t trip. In addition, finding a rhythm gives you stability and helps you work on your heel balance. Of course, your hands, feet, and even your eyes will have to work in collaboration to achieve the ideal rhythm.
4. Resist the urge to swing your arms too high
While learning jump rope tricks, you will get carried away by the excitement and inculcate a bad skipping habit. Swinging your arms too high from your body affects your form and pumping motion.
There should be minimal movement between your shoulder and elbow. You must arch your hands at a 90-degree angle always. Let your wrists do the 180-degree rotation.
5. Learn the correct foot position
Your foot position plays a part in your stance and overall skipping proficiency. Once you’ve mastered your stance, you’re well on your way to overall mastery.
When skipping, have your feet arched, so you stand on the balls of your feet. Make sure your heels never touch the ground. Your must closely space your feet, and your jumping height must not exceed 2 inches.
6. Master holding the rope
Mastering your grip on the skipping rope is essential. You do not need a tight grip, lest you tire out quickly. The trick is to maintain a moderately firm grip on the rope handle.
7. Learn the basics first
As a beginner, trying to jump the guns would only complicate your learning process. Instead, it would be best if you only focused on learning the basic tricks before you take on more challenging tricks. These basic tricks include side swings, skier to skier, straddle cross, scissors, et cetera.
8. Join practice classes
Practice classes are especially recommended for beginner skippers. For example, you could get a private tutor or join a joint class where you can learn from other skippers—practicing as a group is always fun. In addition, practice classes will give you tips for learning to jump rope.
9. Practice the more complex tricks harder
Mastering the basics would take weeks, even months, depending on your level of practice and commitment. So now, after these basics, you will head on to the more challenging steps.
You will have to put a more concerted effort into these steps because they would require it. The twist, criss-cross, boxer skip, jump rope burpee, double under, and the likes will need you to strain your muscles more.
10. Practice till you win a spot on the Guinness record
Constant practice leads you to mastery and gives room for correcting flaws. Also, as you practice over time, you get to amass all the health benefits that skipping offers.
Conclusion
It’s a no-brainer that skipping is considered one of the most effective cardiovascular exercises. It keeps you fit. Learning to jump rope works on your body internally and externally.
To master the art of skipping, one must show commitment and agility. Constant practice is key to attaining stardom in skipping. You can confirm from the likes of Tori Boggs, Cen Xiaolin, Floyd Mayweather, et cetera.
Was this piece helpful? Do you feel more motivated to reach skipping stardom? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.