Tricky business.

Once people see a rope-skipping competition (live or on videotape), they realize that this is an awesome sport. "Once I saw it live, " says Indy Air Bear coach Niki Glover, "I thought to myself, We gotta do it. It was just so amazing." And what makes it amazing are the tricks.

"But this isn't a fast track sport," says Coach Glover. "It takes time to perfect rope-skipping skills. How long depends on each kid and how hard he or she is willing to work. I would say on an average, it takes at least a couple of years to become competitive." Skipping Rope: The Basics

Behind-the-back cross .... cross the rope behind your back
Under-the-leg cross ...... cross the rope under your legs
Double unders   .......... jump up and pass the rope under your
                           feet twice before you land
Kruger    ................ hold one leg up and jump on one foot
                           while the rope passes under your leg
X     .................... cross and uncross your feet as you jump
Basic cancan  ............ kick one leg and then the
                           other as you jump
Frogs    ................. do a handstand as you jump
                           rope
Criss cross  ............. jump the rope, then cross
                           the rope and jump it by
                           hugging yourself
Speed step   ............. jog in place while
                           jumping the rope