Your step-by-step guide to creating jump rope routines from scratch

I always get asked about how to create jump rope routines (and then remember them!).

This is definitely not something where there’s a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

What works for me might not work for you – but here’s the process I go through to create all of the routines you see on social media and on the Fancy Feats app.

Step 1: Choose the right beats per minute for your jump rope routine

The first step in creating a jump rope routine is finding the right tempo.

Use beats per minute (BPM) to find a song with the right tempo for you to jump to and that suits your skill level – this is a key part of structuring jump rope routines that flow well.

Personally, I like to create routines at a tempo between 200-236 jumps per minute. So I pick songs that are either:

100-118 BPM, and jump in double time

OR

200-236 BPM, and jump in single time

Use Google to find songs with a certain BPM, or to look up the BPM of songs you already know.

You can also find playlists of tracks with certain tempos on Spotify or Apple Music.

Step 2: Pick a song you love

When creating jump rope routines, picking a song you really like is so important.

You’ll listen to your chosen song SO many times while you’re learning the routine. So it needs to be one you love and won’t get fed up with hearing on repeat.

I pick songs which I’d usually work out to, or are my faves to have a dance to on a night out.

Step 3: Select your chosen jump rope skills and combos

Now that the music’s set, it's time to create your jump routine.

Begin by thinking about your mood or focus: do you want a routine that’s footwork-heavy? Or are you more in the mood for armwork or power moves?

Open up the Fancy Feats app, browse through the jump rope routines, and pick a few skills and combos you enjoy and can perform confidently.

Step 4: Choose your fave transitions

Transitions help you change from one movement to the next, and will take this from just a bunch of skills and combos to one seamless routine.

Most footwork skills can be easily transitioned between using high knees.

And side swings are my go-to transitional move for armwork.

Then think about where to place the transitions in your routine.

Use pauses in the song or lyrics to slow the rope and give yourself a few seconds – add a double-bounce, some high knees, or side swings before the song gets going again.

Step 5: Break it all down

The final step in how to structure your jump rope routine is breaking it into segments.

Once you’ve got all your skills, combos, and transitions lined up, break them into counts of eight and learn each set of eight before piecing them all together.

Most songs with a normal time signature can be broken down into counts of eight, but you do get the odd one that has to be broken into threes or fours…

I’ll be honest, I just avoid these as it's so tricky to master the rhythm!

Not ready to create your own routine yet?

No problem. The Fancy Feats app has full tutorials that walk you through my most popular jump rope routines, with BPM suggestions, transitions, and breakdowns already built in.

It’s a great way to learn how to create jump rope routines by following examples while you’re developing the confidence to build your own.

Creating your jump rope routines is the perfect way to show off your style!

Building your own jump rope routines doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start by picking a song with the right jump rope routine BPM, choose skills you enjoy, and break everything down into manageable sections.

With a little creativity and structure, you’ll be able to create a routine that really shows off your unique jump rope style.