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Skipping rope

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Skipping rope is a way to play and exercise.

You jump over a rope as it swings under your feet. People do this for fun or in contests. Some people do freestyle routines with many moves. Others do speed events to see how many jumps they can do.

Skipping has a very long history. In ancient China, people played a game called "Jumping 100 Threads." It was part of New Year celebrations. In ancient Egypt, children jumped over vines.

1800-jumprope-pinup-Sophia-Western
1800-jumprope-pinup-Sophia-Western

In the 16th century, explorers saw people in Australia jumping with vines. In the past, skipping was mostly for boys. Later, it became very popular for girls. They even made up chants and rhymes to sing while jumping.

Doubletime poster (cropped)
Doubletime poster (cropped)

There are many ways to move. You can do a basic jump with both feet. You can also try an alternate foot jump. This uses one foot at a time to go faster. Some people do a criss-cross by crossing their arms.

Jumping Rope Criss-cross
Jumping Rope Criss-cross

You can even try a double under. This is when the rope turns twice in one jump. Skipping is great for your heart and your rhythm. It also helps your feet move well.

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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:Fairfax County School sports - 22.JPG
Fairfax County School sports - 22.JPG
Kidplayingjumprope-tokyoarea-fall2018.ogv
File:1800-jumprope-pinup-Sophia-Western.jpg
1800-jumprope-pinup-Sophia-Western.jpg
File:US Navy 101004-N-6427M-149 Airman David Hall, from Buffalo, N.Y., jumps rope during a training session in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrie.jpg
US Navy 101004-N-6427M-149 Airman David...
File:US Navy 101101-N-2821G-032 Rear Adm. Mark D. Guadagnini, commander of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, leads a.jpg
US Navy 101101-N-2821G-032 Rear Adm. Mark...
File:Jumping Rope Criss-cross.jpg
Jumping Rope Criss-cross.jpg
File:Peter Nestler - Jump-roping around the world.jpg
Peter Nestler - Jump-roping around the world.jpg
File:Doubletime poster (cropped).jpg
Doubletime poster (cropped).jpg
File:US Navy 030303-N-9109V-006 Steel Beach picnic aboard USS Saipan.jpg
US Navy 030303-N-9109V-006 Steel Beach...
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