Step-through Skills

Step-through skills require you to control the rope in yet another way. To execute these skills, the rope must turn in a generally horizontal direction. One hand turns the rope overhead horizontal , while the other hand positions the other end of the rope between the legs.

If you use the jump rope to enhance your martial arts training, this category of skills can be incorporated into the various kicks common in styles epitomized by Tae Kwon Do and other styles that emphasize kicking.

	The "Open Step-through" is the most basic skill in this category and so named because the arms begin in the "open" position. The key to executing this and other step-throughs is being certain that the overhead hand is turning the rope in a horizontal direction. The tendency for jumpers is to try to turn the rope vertically, which causes the rope to get caught on your shoulder or neck.
	With the "Cross Step-through," the arms begin crossed in front so that the arms are in the opposite position from the Open Step-through. It's a bit more challenging to execute. I like to do this skill while spinning my body in the same direction as the rope is turning.
	The "Front Kick Step-through" is adapted from dance or the martial arts. Getting the rope in the right position to enter the skill is a bit trickier here and requires practice.
	The "Round Kick Step-through" is from karate and you really have to extend the arms to get the rope through the extended leg. You can incorporate other martial art style kicks with the rope including jumping kicks and spinning kicks.