How to Turn While Jumping Rope

Jumping rope is a fun game and an effective exercise. You can do this sport by yourself or with the help of two friends. Adding turns to the jumps can make the game more interesting and challenging. It also helps to burn off a few more calories if you are jumping rope to lose weight. The success of the turns depend on timing. It takes practice to learn to perform each turn in a fluid motion.

Instructions

  1. Jumping Alone

    • 1

      Hold one handle of the rope in each hand and bring it to the back of your feet. Lift it over your head to the front of you and jump over it. Repeat this forward jump a few times until you are ready to begin making turns.

    • 2

      Swing your arms to the left side after a jump, with a handle in each hand, so the loop of the rope ends up behind you. Turn your body quickly to the left until you are facing the opposite side. Continue jumping rope. This is a 180-degree turn. You may perform this move on the right side also.

    • 3

      Swing your arms to the left, after completing a jump, so that the loop ends up behind you. Make a 180-degree turn quickly so you are facing the opposite side. Jump the rope once. Swing your arms to the left again and make another 180-degree turn so you are back in your original position. Continue jumping rope. This is a 360-degree turn. You may also perform this turn on the right side.

    Jumping in a Group

    • 4

      Have two people hold and turn the jump rope. Stand a few feet away from the rope and prepare to jump in when it turns at a comfortable speed.

    • 5

      Jump in when the rope is high in the air. Make a few jumps over the rope until you are ready to begin making turns.

    • 6

      Jump over the rope and turn your body to the left or right so you are facing one of the rope turners. This is a quarter turn. Repeat this step three times to make a full 360-degree turn and return to your original position.

    • 7

      Jump over the rope and make a half turn so your body faces the opposite direction. This is a half-turn. Repeat this step to return to your original position.

    • 8

      Jump over the rope and turn your body around 360-degrees so you are back in your original position. This is a full turn.

    • 9

      Try different combinations of these turns as you jump rope to create your own styles. Remember to take the position of the rope into account so you can finish turning without missing a jump.