Jump Rope Exercises

[prattle128]

What are some exercises that I could do with a jump rope that would benefit my fitness, relative to tennis, the best? Is there something that would be more useful than just jumping around, or is there really all that there is to it? Thanks.

Edit:

If you guys have a suggested amount of time to be doing these exercises as well, that would be appreciated?

[nfor304]

I usually jump rope before playing a match or practcing just to warm up.I usually do this for about 10 mins:

-both feet single jump
-1 foot single jump alternating
-1 foot, 2 hops each foot then alternating
-1 foot single jump alternating with high knees
-1 foot single jump with foot kicking back up to my back
-both feet single hop side to side like a skiing motion
-both feet split forward and back like a lunge, alternating foot position each jump
-both feet single jump with rope going under twice each jump, so you have to do a higher jump

I find doing all that pretty effective for warming up and making sure my feet are moving quickly. I also find its pretty good for timing since there is coordination between your wrists and your feet.

I think skipping is one of the best things you can do for tennis and your footwork. If you do it regularly you feel quicker and more explosive on court and your lower legs get stronger and more defined.

[T Woody]

Originally Posted by nfor304

-both feet single jump with rope going under twice each jump, so you have to do a higher jump

These are double unders, and they're quite challenging at high reps. Work up to stringing together 25 in a row.

[r2473]

Add a little weight:

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/798919/3361789

[nfor304]

Originally Posted by T Woody

These are double unders, and they're quite challenging at high reps. Work up to stringing together 25 in a row.

Ahh thats what they're called.

I have no idea what any of those i described are called, but I've been skipping regularly for almost 10 years now and I cant seem to play well at the beginning of a match without doing my skipping warm up.

Its almost more of a mental warm up than anything else now I guess, but then again friends who go to the gym regularly always ask me how I got my calves so ripped so the skipping must be doing something

[topher.juan]

Jump rope is my favorite exercise, great cardio, coordination and it can be as intense/complicated as you want. A good rope makes ALLLLLLLLLLLLL the difference, you'll never know the difference it makes until you use a good rope. I've went through quite a few recently and this one is the best I've used so far:
http://www.buyjumpropes.net/Cable_Fr...yReference!%29
You can get replacement cables if it breaks too, cheaper than a new rope. This rope's used at the national level for competitions.. it spins freely (I've done triple-unders with it) and never tangles.. I have no connection to the site, just very glad to finally find a great rope.

Check out this guy's videos for ideas on how to mix-up your jump rope routine, really impressive skipping: http://www.youtube.com/user/monvee2000
Also see Floyd Mayweather dancin' with the rope: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B2Vrg1Y25c

[cesarmo03]

can anybody explain what are the benefits of jumping the rope in tennis? thanks

[charliefedererer]

To new jumpers out there, just be sure to do it on a cushioned surface, and wear good shoes with good cushioning inserts.

[borg number one]

Jumping rope as a junior player really helped me, as I used to jump rope about a 1000 times, in sets of 100's at least a couple of times a week. I did this from about 12-18 and it really helped me with coordination, quickness, footwork, and stamina. Running sprints on court and getting to balls seemed much easier once I combined jumping rope with long distance running and wind sprints. As far as jump rope exercises, I'm sure there are lots of "sets" and more specific exercises you can do, but after I got the hang of it, I found jumping rope to be quite fun actually.

[The Watchman]

Read these two articles (some seriously impressive skipping videos are included in the articles as well):

http://www.rossboxing.com/thegym/thegym26.htm
http://www.rosstraining.com/articles/jumprope2.htm

Cheers

[tennis angel]

Originally Posted by nfor304

I usually jump rope before playing a match or practcing just to warm up.I usually do this for about 10 mins:

-both feet single jump
-1 foot single jump alternating
-1 foot, 2 hops each foot then alternating
-1 foot single jump alternating with high knees
-1 foot single jump with foot kicking back up to my back
-both feet single hop side to side like a skiing motion
-both feet split forward and back like a lunge, alternating foot position each jump
-both feet single jump with rope going under twice each jump, so you have to do a higher jump

I find doing all that pretty effective for warming up and making sure my feet are moving quickly. I also find its pretty good for timing since there is coordination between your wrists and your feet.

I think skipping is one of the best things you can do for tennis and your footwork. If you do it regularly you feel quicker and more explosive on court and your lower legs get stronger and more defined.

Very good advice.