double Dutch

double Dutch, children’s game in which the player must time jumps between two jump ropes twirling in opposite directions.

In the 1930s, during the Depression era, children often jumped rope because the game required only a used clothesline to be played. By the late 1950s, however, a number of municipal and societal factors—such as the desire to keep children from playing in city streets and the availability of other games for children in upwardly mobile families—had decreased its popularity. However, jumping rope and double Dutch experienced a renaissance in the late 20th century, to the point that rope jumping became a competitive sport, with various double Dutch rope skipping leagues coming into existence around the world and tournaments being held throughout the year.

At least three children are needed to play double Dutch. Two children hold the ends of two ropes and turn them simultaneously in opposite directions while one or two jumpers, situated between the two ropes, jump over them as they turn. The activity is often accompanied by a chant or rhyme that gives the game additional structure. In some forms of the game, the jumper loses a turn if the rope catches the jumper’s feet. If the ropes are still turning at the conclusion of a given rhyme or a set number of rotations, the jumper jumps out and the next player jumps in and begins jumping.

Experienced jumpers can make the game more challenging by hopping on one foot, bouncing a ball, picking up and putting down a stone in between jumps, or jumping high enough for the rope to pass twice before they land. The game of double Dutch requires skill, agility, and strength, and it encourages creativity, teamwork, and sportsmanship.