5 steps to teaching double dutch!

Double Dutch is more than just a fun playground game. It is a skill that combines rhythm, coordination, and teamwork. Teaching Double Dutch can be rewarding, but it requires lots of patience and a clear approach to help students understand the timing and movement involved. Our Double Dutch guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, making it easier to teach and learn this exciting style of jump rope.

Start with Long Rope

Before diving straight into Double Dutch, begin with long rope. This will help your students communicate and learn how to control a rope together. The rope should start in the "same side" hand of the turners...right hand of one turner and left hand of the other.

Focus on turning first.

• Use "Inside Turning" to help your turners understanding which way the rope needs to turn in order to mimic Double Dutch.

• Inside turning = turning towards the midline of the body from top to bottom

Then, add a jumper.

• Have the jumper start in the middle facing a turner so they can watch their hand and know when to jump.

• The jumper will use a double bounce (slow) rhythm.

Starting with a long rope sets the foundation for the rest of the steps. It allows learners to observe the rope’s movement clearly and understand the timing and rhythm needed for success.

Work on a Long Rope Entrance

The entrance is one of the most challenging parts of Double Dutch, so practicing this in long rope can help you and your students.

• Have the jumper stand by the turner's shoulder on the same side as the handle.

• Remember that turners should use "Inside Turning"

• When the "garage door is open" (rope is up), the jumper can move toward the middle to jump. The jumper should anticipate this movement and "follow" the rope into the middle.

  
  

• Once the jumper enters they will watch the turner's hand and jump double bounce (slow jumping).

Practicing the entrance with a long rope builds confidence. It also helps learners develop the timing and coordination necessary to enter the ropes smoothly.

Practice Double Dutch Turning

Double Dutch turning requires lots of teamwork and rhythm. Don't be afraid to spend time drilling the skill of turning with your students. You can make it fun with different challenges such as reaching a certain number of turns without the ropes hitting each other, turning faster, turning slower, etc.

• The two turners stand facing each other, each holding one end of the ropes.

• The ropes will turn "inside" in an alternating fashion. Pretend like you're drawing circles on a chalkboard in front of you.

• Focus on lifting the ropes to create strong, smooth arcs or "rainbows" at the top.

• Make sure turners match each other's timing. If one turner is stronger, have the other turner watch and mirror them.

PRO TIP! Use shorter ropes (8ft or 9ft) to start when working with students. It will help them learn to control smaller ropes first before asking them to use regular Double Dutch Ropes (12ft - 14ft).

Give Jumping a Try! (Cold Start)

Jumping in Double Dutch without prior movement of the ropes is called a cold start. This is a great way to help your students be successful, but it also takes time and dedication from the teacher to make this work.

Cold Starts WITH Help

• If you have a co-teacher or somebody who can turn with you, it will make cold starts a bit easier.

• Start with your jumper in the middle and work together with your other turner to turn the ropes around the jumper.

• As the first rope reaches their feet, the jumper should watch the turner's handles and perform single bounce jumping.

Cold Starts WITHOUT Help

• If you don't have another strong turner with you, have a student (or adult) simply hold the ropes on the other side. You are controlling 100% of the movement of the ropes.

• This method is more difficult but can be mastered with PRACTICE from the teacher.

• Use big movements at the beginning to create momentum in the ropes and get them moving. Then focus on strong rhythmic turns to keep them going.

Try Entering

Entering the ropes smoothly requires timing, practice, and a little bit of bravery! The good news - a Double Dutch entrance works the same as a long rope entrance, but now the jumper will do single bounce instead of double bounce.

• The jumper will start next to turner's shoulder just like long rope.

• When the rope closest to the jumper is UP the "garage door opens" and the jumper can enter.

• Once they start jumping they will jump single bounce (fast) to account for both ropes.

PRO TIPS:

• The entrance can look overwhelming because of the additional rope, but if you have your students concentrate ONLY on the rope closest to them it can help.

• Sometimes jumpers will try to overcompensate with high jumps. Encourage them to jump a little lower and bounce like a bunny rabbit.

Final Thoughts

Double Dutch is fun and exciting to do. Your kids will LOVE it, but you need to give yourself TIME to teach it and go through the progressions. Stay the course and celebrate every milestone along the way!

If you're in need of a set of double dutch ropes or a class set of ropes (single ropes and long rope/double dutch) for your school, rec center, etc., we are here to help! Click below: