How to Start a Jump Rope Team

When I started my first jump rope team in 1998, I had to DIG to find any resources that would help me. Here are four starting points I'd recommend for getting your own team going.

1. Buy Some Guides: The Jump Rope Curriculum ($64.95) is a motivational program designed for teachers and coaches to help get a jump rope program started. This curriculum is very effective in teaching children the skills they need in a fun and motivating atmosphere. Lesson plan, posters, and complete instructions are included.
   
   Also available is the New Team Starter Guide for $10 from USA Jump Rope. This has helpful guidelines on how to set up the administration of a team. I'd also recommend you pick up a Basic Instructional Guide (even if you have experience teaching jump rope as a PE teacher, or fitness instructor). This guide gives directions on how to set up a program and gives details on skills for single rope, long rope and double dutch instruction for beginners. Lesson plans are also included. There are also additional manuals and videos that may be of help available from USA Jump Rope.
   
   
2. Take a workshop or clinic: USA Jump Rope and AMJRF offers workshops and judging clinics around the country. These workshops are a great way to learn how to teach basic skills and prepare your team for competitions. It's also a good way to network with other teams and coaches. (Tip: To make your clinic more cost effective I'd recommend bringing along a few other PE teachers to participate.)
   
   
3. Get in touch with me: I'm well networked into the competition community, and I can help you find a coach or team who could come to your location and help you get started. Contact me.
   
   
4. Reach out to one of these US Organizations: These two organizations love to promote the sport of jump rope. They will go to great lengths to help anyone who is interested in starting a team.
   • The American Jump Rope Association (AMJRF) - website www.amjrf.com / email: Info@AMJRF.com
   • USA Jump Rope - website: usajumprope.org / email: mfletcher@usajumprope.org / phone: 1-800-225-8820

Good luck!