How To Improve Your Double Unders With A Speed Rope

You’ve done the hardest part: you’ve learned the double unders’ technique. But now you want to take your jumping skills to the next level. That’s when changing the rope you're currently using comes in.

When you’re just learning and working on getting your first double under, you can use a beaded rope. It will allow you to feel the rope, get a lot of feedback, and be able to learn from that pattern. But if you already know how to do a double under and you want to do it faster or more efficiently, you want to use speed ropes to cut through the air faster.

 What Is a Speed Jump Rope?

To put it simply, a speed rope is a fast jump rope. But why is it fast? Because it has bearings that allow for a much more precise timed rotation. 

Let’s explore some of the major features of these jump ropes:

• Handles: They’re comparatively shorter and attached to the cable at a 90-degree angle. This allows a faster rotation of the rope and takes less effort from you.
• Weight: You should look for lower-weight speed ropes (under 5 oz total weight). 
• Material: The handle is generally made of aluminum and the cable is of thin metal. This will help keep the weight of the rope light and conserve your energy.

 If you want to learn more about speed ropes and their main characteristics, we recommend reading this blog post.

Choosing the Right Speed Rope for Your Double Unders

We’ve taught you how to choose the right jump rope to master your double unders. But today we want to go a little further and teach you how to pick the right speed rope to improve your technique.

As you may know by now, not all ropes are created equal. A speed rope is designed to rotate faster than a regular jump rope, thanks to its lightweight and thin cable. Here's what to look for:

• Adjustable length: Ensure the rope can be adjusted to your height. Remember that the optimum length for double unders is 4" to 8" (10 - 20 cm) over your head.
• Lightweight handles: Comfortable grips reduce fatigue during longer sessions. You also have to consider the angle or degree at which the cord attaches to the handle. In the case of speed ropes, as previously mentioned, it’s 90° (perpendicular to the handle) for better turning momentum.
• Smooth rotation: Ball bearings in the handles allow for smooth and quick rotations, reducing the effort needed to spin the rope.
• Cable thickness: The thickness of the cable affects its speed and durability. Thin cables provide faster rotations, ideal for experienced jumpers aiming to improve their double unders. Thicker cables are more durable and easier to control, suitable for beginners who are still mastering the technique.

Timing and Rhythm

Timing is everything in double unders. Using a speed rope helps develop a quick wrist rotation and consistent jump height. Try these tips:

• Count your jumps: Start by counting single unders to build rhythm, then switch to counting rotations for double unders.
• Use a metronome: Set a metronome to a tempo that matches your desired jump speed. This can help maintain a consistent pace.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the perfect speed rope tailored to your needs can significantly enhance your double-under performance. By paying attention to these factors, you'll find a rope that not only suits your current skill level but also helps you progress faster. Enjoy the journey to mastering your double unders.

More from our Double Under Mastery Series:

• How to Size for Double Unders
• Jumping & Landing Technique
• Proper Hand Placement
• Mastering the Double Under Rhythm

About the Author Devin Meek is the Director of Education for Elite Jumps. He's been a jump rope entertainer for over eighteen years and is a three-time world champion competitive jumper. Devin travels the country sharing his passion for the sport, giving jump rope workshops to schools, CrossFit gyms, and corporate wellness programs.