Q&A for How to Skip

"Normal" is whatever you want it to be. Don't let others define how you feel about something. If you really want to be able to skip, don't let others make you feel estranged for trying. You'll get it someday, and until then, just keep practicing.

You might be keeping your feet too rigid or flat, try cushioning the blow, like you would when catching a ball so it doesn't slap your hands.

Slightly. As you get used to the motion of skipping, your posture will be more straightened.

After 16 years of trying, it may be time to accept that skipping is not the activity for you. If you want to get the benefit of the exercise of skipping, but can't manage the coordination between feet and arms, try skipping without a skipping rope.

You only have to jump as quickly as you turn the rope. Try taking very small jumps and turning the rope at a steady pace rather than as fast as you can.

Most people do activities leading with either their left or right foot. Once a child has mastered skipping starting with the preferred foot, he or she may enjoy the challenge of learning to lead with the other foot. Unless the skipping is part of some sort of public event or competition, it does not matter if the child never gets the hang of skipping leading with either foot. It is not a indication of any kind of failing.

As often as you need to in order to master skipping. If you are struggling, try setting aside a little time each day to practice as needed.

If you're making big skips with lots of upward momentum, you won't be skipping very fast. To skip faster (either at greater speed or with more skips), you'll need small skips where your next jump comes just a moment after your first foot comes back to the ground. If you're doing it very quickly, it'll seem less like skipping and more like doing an athletic ladder exercise.