How it works
Two turners turn two long ropes in opposite directions, hands mirroring each other, so skippers can jump in. The first Double Dutch skill to learn.
Teach Double Dutch rope turning with the All-Access Skip Pass
Everything a teacher needs to teach this skill to a whole class, from the skip-hop team:
- The skip-hop video of this skill, with ½× and ¼× slow motion
- Step-by-step teaching for the two turners
- Spot the fault, with the fix
- A self-check for turners
£149 a year for the whole school, or 6 months free with the whole-school rope set.
Where it fits
Double Dutch rope turning: Black Award
Black Award: Expert
A related skill for the Black Award: one to include in lessons.
To pass, a pupil:
- Performs 5 double unders (single bounces in between are fine)
- Performs a full 360 degree turn
- Performs a side swing cross on both sides
- Leads a group routine including individual, partner and long rope moves
- Keeps the pot boiling in Figure of Eight in a team of 6 to 8: 5 full figures of 8 each (10 jumps), with the whole team succeeding
In the scheme of work
Where this skill is taught in the skip-hop scheme of work.
- UKS2Lesson 5: Double DutchTricks, Teams and Double Dutch · Years 5 and 6
What you need
One rope for 1–3 skippers; both for double dutch. skip-hop ropes are designed specifically for the skills shown on this site.
SEND and inclusion
Make it work for everyone
Ideas for pupils with SEND, and for anyone who finds skipping inside the Double Dutch ropes with your own rope hard. Change one thing at a time.
What usually makes it hard: Two ropes turning in opposite directions, in time with a partner.
- TaskTurn one long rope with a partner first, then add the second.
- EquipmentA line on the floor between the turners, and a mark to show where the ropes should touch.
- CommunicationTurners count out loud together: “left, right, left, right”.
Seated or no-jump version. Turning is a great job for a pupil who isn’t jumping: turn from a chair or a wheelchair.
An adapted pass is still a pass on the Skipping Awards. Use your own judgement and each pupil’s care plan. More in SEND and inclusion at skip-hop. Pupil struggling to get started? Try Lee’s tips for pupils who are struggling to skip.