The different series following are for:—
- Small single rope.
- One large rope.
- Two large ropes.
- Large single rope and small individual rope.
The small single rope or individual rope should be about six feet long for the average player. A good general rule is to have it just long enough to reach to the shoulders on each side while the player is standing on it.
A rope not made with handles at the ends should have a knot tied at either end, to prevent untwisting and to give a firm hold. Every jumper knows how to twist the ends around the hands to make shorter a rope that is too long.
A long rope should be heavy and from ten to twenty feet in length. It should be turned by two players while one or more jump, as indicated. When not used for athletic competition, any player failing in the jumping should change places with one of the turners; that is, should "take an end."
I. Small Single Rope
1. Standing in one place, the jumper turns the rope forward and jumps on the toes of both feet for from ten to twenty-five counts. Prolonged jumping beyond this number to the point of exhaustion should not be done.
2. Standing in one place, jump five counts on one foot and then five on the other.
3. Jump as in 1 and 2, but turn the rope backward instead of forward.
4. Running and skipping, the rope turned forward.