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Unlike many sports, competitive jump ropers practice year round, with very minimal breaks in preparation for nationals during the summer.
That's because jump ropers compete in many different events that require very different skills.
Speed events are the most enduring events jumpers compete in.
In this event, the jumper has to repeatedly execute speed steps as fast as they can for an allotted period of time.
Usually, there are three judges for each jumper who use clickers to keep track of how many times their right foot touches the ground.
For optimal speed, most jumpers use wire ropes.
There are also Double Dutch speed events.
Double Dutch Speed Relay is a three-person event.
In this event, each jumper jumps for 40 seconds then switches.
Double Dutch Pairs Speed is a four-person event.
Seems a little easy, no? Well things are about to get a whole lot harder with the freestyle events.
A good freestyle routine contains four different sequences. One of these sequences is called the power sequence.
Power tricks showcase how fast the jumper can move the rope around and under their feet in a single jump.
Jumpers string multiples together to create these difficult power sequences.
Another freestyle sequence you'll find in a good routine is called the speed dance.
A good speed dance is made up of many tricks that require movement in the feet or arms and a quick change of pace.
The speed dance sequence is a good opportunity for the jumper to move across their allotted space and give quick smiles to the judges.
One of the most creative sequences in a freestyle routine is called the manipulation sequence.
Handle releases are some of the hardest jump rope tricks to master. You'll find them usually in the rope manipulation sequence.
Tired yet? Hopefully not, because the final and hardest sequence for most jumpers is the strength sequence.
A typical strength sequence is made up of any tricks that take you off of your feet or requires changing the jumper's center of gravity.
This sequence is where you'll see handstands, flips, and splits all while still jumping.
If you mess up doing a strength trick, your score will take a whipping.
These four sequences also apply to other various freestyle events like Pairs Freestyle...
Double Dutch Freestyle...
And Double Dutch Pairs Freestyle.
And if that's not enough routines to perfect, jumpers often compete in the Team Show event.
But a jumper can't exert all of their energy into their freestyle routines. If they want to stay competitive, they need to jump higher than ever before for the Triple Unders event.
You have a long way to go, Katy.
If you want to learn more about competitive world of jump rope, skip on over to the USA Jump Rope site.
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