HOW TO JUMP ROPE LIKE A BOXER?
Once you have the basics and fundamentals of jump rope down, one of the first styles you’ll see and be drawn towards is the boxer style. This is a minimalist, refined style which prioritises footwork, and swings with the inclusion of double unders at times. So how do we implement this style and start jumping like a boxer?
THE FOOTWORK
The centre-piece of the boxer style is the footwork of the same name - the Boxer Step. This is a pinnacle movement in a lot of disciplines of jump rope because of its extensive utility. Boxer Step comprises a movement pattern the jumper shifts their bodyweight from foot to foot instead of jumping or bounding. This is akin to how a person shifts their weight as they walk vs the impact of running or jogging. In both, this exponentially increases the volume of exercise that is achievable by any jumper regardless of experience.
In the context of the boxer style, this footwork can be adapted into an entire style of its own. Sometimes the jumper will slightly side-step as they shift their weight, toe tap in front of them or stand with an asymmetric stance.
Other footwork skills frequently seen in the boxer style include High Knees, Toe Taps, and Cross Overs.
THE ARM WORK
The minimalist approach to the boxer style is what gives it its appeal, especially to beginners. Here, ‘less is more’ is exemplified perfectly. Arm work usually includes no more than Side Swings and Crosses and the occasional EB (one arm crossed behind the back). Like a boxer, the goal here is to keep the arms close to the chest and readily available.
The rope length
In a lot of cases, longer ropes will be used by the jumper so that they may adjust their form with exaggerated elbow flexion (bending back behind the torso) and lifting the wrists up to around chest (lower sternum) height. This enables the jumper to resemble how a boxer would hold their arms.
This adjusted form, combined with the Boxer Step footwork and minimalist arm work, enables the jumper to embody the essence of a boxer's moves in the ring.