How it works
Two turners turn two ropes in opposite directions while a third skipper in the middle jumps each one. Using the skip-hop method, skippers come in from the end, next to a turner, and jump in on the count.
skip-hop tipCount "one, and, two, and, step, jump, jump, jump" to time the entry.
Step by step
- Next to a turner
- Mark the floor
- Step and jump
- Single bounce
Lee’s teaching notes for each step, the video and the printable coaching card come with the All-Access Skip Pass.
Teach jumping into the Double Dutch ropes 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 entering the ropes, with ½× and ¼× slow motion
- Step-by-step teaching: where to stand, step and jump
- Spot the fault, with the fix
- A pupil self-check and a link to the Red Award
£149 a year for the whole school, or 6 months free with the whole-school rope set.
Where it fits
Jumping into the Double Dutch ropes while they turn: Red Award
Red Award: Advanced
Part of the Red Award test.
To pass, a pupil:
- Side swings on both sides and opens out into a skip
- Jumps a crossover and uncrosses without stopping
- Jumps into Double Dutch and bounces 4 times
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
- UKS2Lesson 6: Award day: Red and BlackTricks, 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.
Double Dutch skipping: questions
What is Double Dutch skipping?
Two turners turn two long ropes in opposite directions, and a skipper in the middle jumps each rope as it comes round. It takes timing from everyone: the turners keep an even beat and the skipper jumps on it.
How long are Double Dutch ropes?
Our Double Dutch ropes are 4.5 m each and come as a pair in contrasting colours, so turners and skippers can see each rope clearly. There is also a beaded pair for confident skippers.
How many people do you need for Double Dutch?
Three: two turners and one skipper. In a group, everyone takes turns to turn and to jump.
What age can children learn Double Dutch?
skip-hop teaches it in Years 5 and 6, in the Upper Key Stage 2 unit of the scheme of work, and jumping into the turning ropes is part of the Red Award. Confident skippers in Year 4 can start too.
How do you jump into Double Dutch?
With the skip-hop method, the skipper comes in from the end, next to a turner, and jumps in on the count: "one, and, two, and, step, jump, jump, jump".
Who invented Double Dutch?
Nobody knows. The earliest reference we have found to skipping with a double rope is English, from 1878. The first clear description of two turners, two ropes and one jumper is from Kansas City in 1893, and the name "double Dutch" is in print by 1895.
Double Dutch rhymes
Turners and the queue chant while the skipper jumps. Try Jack be Nimble, and use any counting rhyme from our skipping rhymes and songs to see how many jumps a skipper can do.
The history of Double Dutch
Read who invented Double Dutch, our research into the oldest sources, and our original article on the history of Double Dutch skipping.
Double Dutch skipping ropes
Start with a pair of Double Dutch skipping ropes, two 4.5 m ropes in contrasting colours. For confident skippers there are beaded Double Dutch skipping ropes: the click of the beads on the ground helps skippers time their entry. Before Double Dutch, build up with our long rope skipping games.
SEND and inclusion
Make it work for everyone
Ideas for pupils with SEND, and for anyone who finds jumping into the Double Dutch ropes while they turn hard. Change one thing at a time.
What usually makes it hard: Timing the entry.
- CommunicationCount “one, and, two, and, step, jump” together, as the skip-hop tip says.
- PeopleA buddy taps the pupil in, or an adult goes in with them.
- TaskStart inside before the ropes turn until the entry is ready.
Seated or no-jump version. Turn one end. Turning Double Dutch is worth recognising on its own.
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.