How to master double unders: tips and drills to help you improve

Everyone wants to learn double unders!

But they’re often overcomplicated, meaning people struggle to get to grips with them.

It doesn’t need to be that way, though.

In this guide, I’ll break down how to do double unders, the double under technique I teach, and some of my go-to drills to improve double unders – all designed to help you get there faster (without the frustration!).

Master the basic bounce before moving on to double unders

And when I say “master” them, that’s what I mean!

Before you even think about double unders, you need to have your basic bounce absolutely nailed. I’m talking:

• Consistent rhythm
• Controlled timing
• Light on your feet
• Able to do multiple bounces without losing form

You need to be able to do a basic bounce so easily that you can do it on autopilot!

Don’t learn double unders on a wire rope

If you’re learning how to do double unders, don’t start with a wire rope.

I can’t stress this enough. Wire ropes move way too quickly.

Instead, learn double unders on a beaded rope, then move on to PVC.

(Just a quick note: I know some people who couldn’t do a double under until they tried them on a PVC rope, but learning on a beaded one is the best option if you can.)

Don’t rush the double under technique

People often think the way to get better at double unders is to move the rope faster. But forcing the speed will cause you to rush the movement, and your form will go out the window!

It’s actually easier to learn double unders by keeping the rope at the same speed and jumping higher.

Only change one element of the double under technique at a time

Either jump higher, or move the rope quicker. But don’t do both.

Changing too many things makes the move so much more complicated than it needs to be and could lead to your form suffering.

The best drills to improve double unders

Like all jump rope movements, the secret to mastering the double under is to do regular drills.

Try these as part of your warm-up; they’ll get your body (and brain!) perfectly set up for your session.

Double under speed drill. Do three regular basic bounces at your max speed, then jump higher for one and complete one double under with the rope at the same speed. So it’s three basic bounces to one double under.

Double under height drill. Do three high basic bounces (higher than normal), then one double under at the same height, but move the rope quicker. Do one double under for every three basic bounces.

For each of these drills, gradually decrease the basic bounces you do in each set until you can do consecutive double unders.

This is exactly how I teach double unders on the Fancy Feats app, so you can head there to see full video tutorials.

Almost any jump rope skill can be turned into a double under

Don’t forget, it’s not just basic bounces you can turn into a double. You’ll also find tutorials on Fancy Feats showing you how to turn other skills like swings and crosses into double unders. They’re all grouped together on a double-under submap on the skill map, so they’re super easy to find.

Get better at double unders with consistent practice

Progress might feel slow at times, but keep going! When you stay consistent and don’t rush, you’ll:

• Build better form
• Improve your timing and footwork
• Finally feel that satisfying “aha!” moment when you master consecutive double unders

And remember: you don’t need to perfect them overnight. Take your time and chip away at the technique!