Skipping rope
Equipment for rhythmic jumping used in sport, play, and fitness.
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A skipping rope (or jump rope) is equipment used in sport and play that involves rhythmically jumping over a rope swung underfoot and overhead. The activity is practiced recreationally and competitively, with disciplines such as freestyle routines and speed events. It has a long history across multiple cultures, with evidence dating back to ancient China and Egypt, and later documented among Indigenous peoples in Australia and in European and American street culture.
Quick Facts
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- Ancient times
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Background
Skipping rope has a long history across multiple cultures. Evidence of rope-skipping dates back to ancient China, where Han dynasty peoples practiced it as part of New Year celebrations, and to ancient Egypt, where children are depicted jumping over vines. In the 16th century, European explorers recorded vine-jumping activities among Indigenous peoples in Australia. Once treated as a gendered pastime with primarily boys skipping in Europe and America during the 16th and 17th century, it later became popular among girls beginning in the 18th century; by the 19th century, it had flourished in urban settings and children's street culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skipping rope?
Skipping rope is a rhythmic jumping activity in which a player swings a cord under their feet and over their head while bouncing. It is played both as casual street recreation and as a competitive sport featuring speed events and freestyle routines.
Where did Skipping rope originate?
The earliest documented evidence points to Han dynasty China and ancient Egypt, though the game also appeared independently among Indigenous Australian communities and later spread through European and American street culture.
What are the key techniques in Skipping rope?
Core moves include the basic jump, alternate foot jump, criss-cross, double under, and the boxer jump. Players chain these into freestyle routines or compete in timed speed events at higher levels.
More in Children'S Games
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Skipping rope (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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