Ok, so I decided to start doing some rope work. Except I can only get about 10 seconds into it before the rope comes to a screeching halt against my feet or shins. Basically, the subject line says it all. Does anyone have any tips for becoming more coordinated with the jumprope, or does it just come with time? I know you do a lot of Renegade rope training, Patricia, so do you have any insights for me? Thanks guys!
I am pretty handy with a jump rope. The only thing that limits me, is if I am not in shape. When someone gets winded, their coordination seems to windle. If stamina isnt an issue for you, then it probably just means that you arent cooridinated enough…YET. Dont worry though, thats why you got the jump rope in the first place right? to increase you cardio and your athletism. Bottom line…Keep Practicing.
Boxers do some amazing rope work. If you can get to a boxing gym and find a nice guy or gal to help you, do so. Working out in front of a mirror also helps. I always likened rope work to swimming; both are fantastic workouts once you learn technique. Until then, you’re kind of spinning your wheels.
Rope skipping is a tough one to get started with. My first suggestion is to check the length of your rope. It sounds like it is too short. Go for a rope that you can almost pull to your arm pits when standing on the rope with your feet together.
Other than that, just suck it up and keep pushing through it. You'll get through it soon.
I have heard Coach Davies say a hundred times that rope work actually becomes an ineffective means of conditioning to those who do it often and have the skill to do it realitively easily. I was just shown this in a perfect illustration yesterday. My latest boxing project is quite frankly in miserable shape. I kid you not when I say he could not do a single Burpee correctly. Yet, he jumps rope like the wind. We are talking about a professional boxer. So, Nephorn, you are way ahead of the game. Just keep up the good work. Late
D.R.
Practice. When I started skipping rope for cardio, I thought I never get it right. I tell you what, it took a while, but my abs and calves are awesome now. (Thanks “mega-shake”)
So are you saying that if someone already could jump rope fine, it is ineffective as conditioning because they can already do it, or that the benefits of it would be much less than the amount it would benefit someone who has difficulty with it?
Thanks for the responses! I’ll just stick with it, and tonight I’ll check the length of my rope.
I must say I agree with you on this. I’ve gotten pretty handy at the rope skipping over the past year or so and have had to invent new foot patterns and such to make it more challenging. I was thinking about getting one of those weighted jump ropes to try to up the intensity. Have you ever tried these?
Sorry so late to reply! But have to agree, practice. My jump roping ability was so laughable when I first started that I literally would jump rope in the closed confines of our basement. I’ve improved yes, but as was stated in Coach Davies’ article, there’s a huge learning curve. So, have a li’l way to go before I can outjump any pro boxer.
And I am a verifiable clutz. Seriously. So, practice, practice, practice. I now jump rope upstairs in front of a TV during my favorite show. Take it in "little steps", be patient with yourself. Don't let that frustration get in the way! Keep your shoulders relaxed. What helps me also, is thinking "float like a butterfly.." ala Ali. Cuz, the jump rope is good for boxers in keeping their feet "light".
You ,more than likely, need a longer rope, as others mentioned. Another thing is, is stay on the balls of you feet, don’t let your heels drop (get flat footed). If you find yourself constantly fouling up, do a couple of rounds swinging the rope to your sides (not atcually jumping it), or even put it down competely (pretend you are jumping it). This will allow you to keep your feet moving (building stamina), and you can work on the rythym (get the feel). Keep at it, you’ll evntually get it. Now I got to go find my rope, time to get back in fighting shape.
don’t jump to high, just enough for your toes to get off the ground and the rope to slide under. Also as ko stated always keep your heels from touching the ground, stay on your toes.
I think you have the cause effect relationship here backwards. You want to know how to become more coordinated so that you can jump rope better? You will jump rope better BEACAUSE you are becoming more coordinated. coordination is helped with the law of repeated efforts. Is your bench press smooth? go watch some new people train, watch the flailing and herky jerky track that the bar takes.
Pick either a predetermined amount of reps or time frame (i.e. 90 secs for 5 sets) and just jump rope. Don’t worry about how many times you mess up, you will get better. Concentrate on form. Most beginners jump too high with little rope speed and no tempo. Oh yeah, remember to breathe! I see people holding their breath for 2 or 3 reps and then trying to gulp down air, no wonder they are gassed in 15 seconds. practice makes perfect.
continue to practice and in-time you will master it. As noted, with rope work there is a law of diminishing returns. But it also takes a great deal of time before that occurs. Once you get good at it - follow the pattern in the article and you will receive many benefits from it. In faith, Coach Davies
Coach, when it becomes to easy would changing the rope help? For example if I switch from my new steel rope back to my leather or beaded rope at which I will be less proficient can I avoid the dim. returns? Just a thought. Ed
nephorm try skipping with bare feet. That will learn you quick. Especially if you have a leather rope like I have used. Kelly I have used the weighted ropes. I don’t think the benifit to cost ratio is worth it and by cost I mean your body. I just don’t think it’s great for the shoulders. 
CHECK THE LENGTH OF THE ROPE.
I had a friend that could jump rope for shit. I watched what was happening and the rope was actually too long. It was hitting the ground infront of his body rather than under it and bouncing up, When he shortened the rope his skipping went from pathetic to about average imediately. Similar thing happened to me except the rope was to short and I kept clipping myself. Get a longer rope and its all good.
Also the weight ofthe rope is important I find that a rope that is too light to be very difficult to skip with. Conversely a rope that is too heavy may also not be good.
Good luck