How Do I Learn the Game Double Dutch?

Find a large space where you can easily maneuver the jump ropes. Concrete is ideal, but make sure there are no holes or cracks, so that the people jumping won't have to worry about injuring themselves.

Have two people hold one end of each jump rope in each hand. These are the people who will turn the ropes. The other two people will be the ones jumping rope in the middle. For now, the jumpers should stand off to the side.

Turn the ropes in a circular motion set to an agreed-upon rhythm. The two rope twirlers should make long arcs with each rope, and alternate one rope with the other so that when one jump rope is hitting the ground, the other is in the air. The twirling takes a little practice to master.

Have the jumpers jump into the circle created by the two ropes. It will take practice to master the timing, so start with one person entering at a time. Once they are in the circle, the jumpers have to make sure they jump over each rope as it passes near their feet. If they fail to do so, the rope will snag and you will have to start the game again.

While the jumpers are in the circle, the rope twirlers must maintain an even turning speed so as not to confuse them.

Perform some tricks. After getting the hang of timing the jumps, the jumpers can begin working on tricks, such as jumping on one foot, twisting in mid-air, or staying in the air long enough for both ropes to pass underneath them. The twirlers may also work on their rhythm by reciting phrases or schoolyard rhymes.