skipping/jump rope - how to advance?

[fin racer]

Folks,

I have been skipping most of this year as a warm up/cooldown and as part of my boxing-based interval training.

While I can maintain 2 minutes of constant skipping, i am not yet able to master alternate feet skipping, the classic boxers hop, if you like.

Anybody have any advice on how best to achieve this?

[Autopilot]

Just stick at it!!

I used to box when I was younger and was always envious of how fast the other guys could skip. I started by skipping the same way you do, then every now and again I'd try and stay on one foot (as though you're running on the spot), then with time you got more steps in before getting the rope tangled. After a while you get to the point where you're going as fast as your legs will carry you!

Start by skipping with both feet, then when you're in a rhythm start by stepping the rope one foot at a time and build up from there. It's really annoying to get right, then all of a sudden you'll realise you've got it.

[PhillT]

Autopilot said:

Just stick at it!!

I used to box when I was younger and was always envious of how fast the other guys could skip. I started by skipping the same way you do, then every now and again I'd try and stay on one foot (as though you're running on the spot), then with time you got more steps in before getting the rope tangled. After a while you get to the point where you're going as fast as your legs will carry you!

Start by skipping with both feet, then when you're in a rhythm start by stepping the rope one foot at a time and build up from there. It's really annoying to get right, then all of a sudden you'll realise you've got it.

This. I could barely get over the damn thing when I started Muay Thai 18 months ago, but now I can do double skips, sidey-hopping, the crossy-over thing and everything. Don't use a metal speed rope with bare feet though, it bloody hurts. Also, maybe learn what the different moves are called, as I have no idea.

[fin racer]

cheers guys.

Not really interested in the trick moves, just something to liven up skipping. I use a heavy leather Lonsdale rope with wooden handles. I also bought a speedrope, but can't get the hang of its

[goldblum]

practice,practice,practice,pr...

[jackh707]

Put some good workout music, I like the prodigy when skipping, and start of realllllyyy slowly using alternate feet. Then gently speed up and just bounce between the balls of your feet. when going properly both feet will actually touch the floor each 'skip cycle' but alternate the foot that carries the weight every 2 skips. So right right, left left, right right etc... , your feet should barely be moving off the floor.

Like this guy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GsWMAWoeDM

[fin racer]

jackh707 said:

Put some good workout music, I like the prodigy when skipping, and start of realllllyyy slowly using alternate feet. Then gently speed up and just bounce between the balls of your feet. when going properly both feet will actually touch the floor each 'skip cycle' but alternate the foot that carries the weight every 2 skips. So right right, left left, right right etc... , your feet should barely be moving off the floor.

Like this guy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GsWMAWoeDM

I tend to have dance music/rap playing in the background as well as round timer.

I shall gave that one a go, thanks Jack

[kentmotorcompany]

Hop on one foot. Then the other, then try 5 on one foot then 5 on the other. Once you have mastered this come down to 4 and 3, 2 and so on.