Essential item for your training bag: Skipping Rope
The skipping rope is a must for any fighters conditioning program.
Skipping rope training will enhance: •Coordination •Agility •Quickness •Footwork •Endurance
In addition to the obvious physical benefits, jumping rope is fun. There are always new footwork patterns that you can develop and practice.
You can purchase a quality skipping rope for less than 10euros. You’d be hard pushed to find a more effective conditioning tool for less. To top it off you can easily take a skipping rope with you no matter where you travel.
Unfortunately, despite the obvious benefits, most athletes outside of the boxing gym are unfamiliar with skipping rope training. Many strength and conditioning coaches have replaced the jump rope with more elaborate and expensive training tools.
The skipping rope is a tried and true method for improving conditioning and coordination. If you have never jumped rope before, you can expect a challenge. The rope can be frustrating to a beginner and you won’t become proficient with the rope overnight; it take time and practice.
First, you need to purchase a quality rope. I recommend a light weight plastic speed rope. The speed rope will allow you to maintain a much faster spinning pace. You can find a quality rope at most sport shops or through any boxing equipment supplier.
After locating a rope, you must determine the ideal length. Common rope lengths range from 8-to-10 feet. Most ropes that you find in shops will be 9 feet. A 9-foot rope will be long enough for most athletes who are 6 feet tall or shorter. Athletes over 6 feet tall may require a 10-foot rope. Typically you may need to adjust your rope. One way to determine the ideal length is to step one foot in the middle of the rope. The handles should reach up to approximately armpit height.
Lastly, to keep the rope in tip top condition, don’t let it become tangled at the bottom of the training bag. Once a kink appears you’ll be forced to buy yourself another rope!