Entry 20 · Day 10
Cross
A Cross is a foundational skill where we place both hands across our hips and scoop into our pockets, such that the rope forms a crossed loop around our body as we jump through that loop.
How to practise
Starting with the rope behind you, pull it up and over your head. As the rope approaches your feet, fold both arm across your hips and scoop into your pockets reaching behind you as you jump the rope. Imagine scooping icecream from two tubs at your sides. To exit the Cross, wait for the rope to pass over your head and then unfold your arms and finally jump the rope in an Open. If you struggle, use the toe catch to practice scooping into your pockets at the right time and position.
Why learn this skill?
All of freestyle jump rope is built upon Opens, Swings and Crosses. These are the three letters of our alphabet that we use to construct more and more complex ideas. Everything else you can learn scales back to one of these three core skills.