I know how you feel. You just purchased a new rope and have no idea what the proper jump rope length should be? Or have you found yourself tripping over way too much in the beginning?

Chances are your rope is either too long or too short in comparison with your length.

So what should the correct length of your jump rope be? 

In this blog post, we’re going to cover: The Perfect Jump Rope Length for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced jumpers.

WRONG LENGTH

Now chances are when you’ve just ordered a new rope, unwrapped it and and are ready to start using it, your rope will be usually too long.

When you try to skip with a jump rope that is too long the rope will be slowing down. This is because it’s crashing into the ground, rather than passing by fluently and it messes up your rhythm. This is also what causes you me to trip more often.

On the other hand, when your rope is too short, you’ll probably hit yourself to the back of your head as your rope doesn’t have enough space to travel around your body as a whole, which is pretty painful. Especially when you’re just starting out and your technique hasn’t evolved yet, jumping with a rope that’s too short can get you tripping more often than needed.

PROPER JUMP ROPE LENGTH 

Choosing the right jump rope length depends on several factors: how you rotate the rope, your hand positioning during jumps, what you're training for (whether that's speed work, double unders, or trick combinations), your arm length, and the size of your handles.

If you're just starting out, use this simple method: step on the rope's center with one foot and pull the handles upward, they should come up between your lower and the middle chest. 
 
Once you've gained experience, you'll may want a shorter setup. Instead of shortening the rope, make knots in front of the handle and experiment with the length. Don’t be too quick to shorten the rope; otherwise, you won’t be able to restore the length and will be unable to skip.

When you graduate from compact freestyle handles to longer ones, you're likely ready for advanced movements like release tricks where the handle can contact the ground safely. At this skill level, try adjusting your rope so the handle tips align with your chest area. This shorter configuration makes releases flow more naturally and gives you better control. 

Just remember: before shortening your rope this much, your fundamentals need to be solid. That means keeping your hands near your waist and driving the rotation from your wrists, not your arms. The adjustment period might feel awkward initially, but the payoff in performance makes it worthwhile. 

SIZING YOUR JUMP ROPE

There are two methods for adjusting your rope length.

Method 1: Using the Handle Mechanism with Xelerate Speed Rope or Heavy Rope.

Remove the handle cap to reveal a small black component with two parts (we call that adjustment cap): the teeth that grip the rope and the squeeze piece that holds everything in place. Slide off the squeeze part to expose the teeth, then reposition them along the rope to your desired length.

Before trimming any excess, test your adjustment. Step on the rope's center with one foot and take a few practice jumps to confirm the length works for you. Once you're satisfied, cut off the extra rope.

Double-check first, cutting too short is a mistake you can't undo!

Method 2: Using the Handle Mechanism with Beaded Rope.

With a beaded jump rope, adjustment works differently but it's still straightforward. Pull the rope from the handle to reveal a small plastic piece that secures the knot in place. Untie the knot and remove the plastic piece. Once untied, slide the handle completely off the rope to gain access to the beads.

Now you can remove as many beads as you need to shorten the rope to your desired length. When you're done, slide the handle back onto the rope, put back the small plastic piece, and tie a secure knot to lock everything in place. Test it out with a few practice jumps, and you're ready to go!

Method 3: Tying Knots

This is my go-to approach. Simply tie knots in the rope to shorten it. It's quick, straightforward, and gets the job done without any fuss. Plus you can always untie it and keep the original length of your jump rope.

CONCLUSION

Finding the right jump rope length is one of the simplest yet most impactful adjustments you can make to your training. Whether you're a beginner stepping on the rope to find your starting point, or an advanced jumper dialing in a shorter setup for release tricks, the right length makes everything feel smoother, faster, and more controlled.

The good news? Adjusting your rope doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you prefer tweaking the handle mechanism or simply tying a knot, getting your rope to the perfect length is something anyone can do in just a few minutes.

So before your next session, take a moment to check your rope length. Your rhythm, your timing, and your shins will thank you for it. Now get out there and jump!