You may notice how boxer's shuffle around the ring with barely a drop of sweat off their brow. This quick movement comes from hours and hours of training with jump ropes to mimic the particular foot pattern. In fact, jumping rope can even help a boxer’s balance, coordination, and cardio endurance. To help you fully understand the role of jump ropes in a boxer’s exercise routine, here is a quick guide with 7 of the best jump ropes to try today.

Benefits of Jumping Rope for Boxing/Kickboxing

Jumping rope isn’t just for the playground, it can provide a number of incredible benefits for boxers and kickboxers. Jumping rope can help athletes to build stamina and endurance. When you jump rope at a fast pace, you are preparing your cardiovascular system for the intense demands that you will likely experience in the ring. Jumping rope can also help you to increase your coordination and improve your footwork. To be a good boxer, you must learn how to use your hands and feet in unison. The repetitive motion of jumping rope makes good practice for this skill. It is also great practice for footwork as your feet must constantly be moving very quickly. Stay on the balls of your feet when jumping and pretty soon, you will notice your speed, agility, and technique improve in the ring. This will also help you to better your balancing skills.

Picking a Good Jump Rope

There is a lot more that goes into choosing the perfect jump rope than you would think. To find the best rope for your needs, you will need to take into consideration the following things.

Length: This is a particularly important factor. A rope that is too long may get tangled on the ground and slow you down, but a rope that is too short will be more difficult to jump through. Beginners will want to look for a longer jump rope, one that will swing between 16 and 30 inches above your head. This will drag on the floor, so you will not be able to increase your speed, but it will allow you to practice your rhythm. For regular fitness, search for a rope that swings six to ten inches above your head. This will allow you to increase your speed while still working on your rhythm.

However, there is another way to decide on the length of the jump rope you should get. This method is dependent on your height.

Rope Material: Look for a jump rope made from a durable material. Beware, though, that the trade-off for durability is weight. Beginners will want to find a jump rope made of PVC plastic or licorice. These are both lightweight and very flexible. Most boxers prefer jump ropes made of these materials. They will get the job done and are often very cheap.

Handle: The handles are another very important consideration. Look for a lightweight handle as heavier ones can slow you down considerably. Handles are susceptible to wear and tear as well. Aluminum and shatterproof plastic are the most durable materials for handles. You will also want to consider the length of the handle. The standard handle length is medium and will be suitable for most people’s needs. If you are looking for a rope that will help you increase your jumping speed, shoot for the short handles.

One of the best jump ropes on the market is the Survival and Cross jump rope. It is incredibly lightweight which makes it ultra-portable and has easy to grip handles for hours of exercise. You can also adjust the length depending on your height making it one of the most functional jumping ropes among professional athletes.

Overall Rating: 4.75/5

Sporting the classic red or black color, these ultra speed jump ropes are designed for powerful athletes with ball bearing tech for a faster jump. If you find yourself making your way from home to the gym frequently this jump robe is incredibly light and easy to store in any bag. Also, you can forget about hand cramps after exercising with the WODFitters, constructed with ergonomic handles your hands will feel relieved after long hours of working out.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Did someone say cushion grips?! Made from a premium plastic material, these Cayman jump ropes feel great in your hands and are perfect for extended hours of exercise. Not to mention, they are specially designed for WOD workouts, boxing, speed jumping, and so much more. The Cayman also offer adjustable lengths varying on your height for the perfect workout.

Overall Rating:  4/5

Made from the highest quality grade materials come the Elite Surge jump rope. Styled from aluminum easy-grip handles, these ropes are perfect for Crossfit double unders and were used in the 2015 National and World Championships of Jump Rope. Their patented ball bearing design offers a faster jump and are classified as one of the fastest jump ropes on the market today.

Overall Rating: 4.75/5 

Styling a pair of aluminum padded handles, the 321 Strong Fitness jump rope are definitely one of the most impressive exercise products on the market. The rope itself measures out to 11 feet and is fully adjustable depending on height differences. Plus, the jump rope has enhanced ball bearing technology for a fuller and faster jump with every swing.

Overall Rating: 4/5

This extra durable jump rope is perfect for any exercise routine. With steel underwires and padded handles for extra comfort for every jump, it’s no wonder they are one of the top jump ropes on Amazon. Not to mention, they are fully adjustable making them perfect for anyone to use for boxing, CrossFit, boxing, or any other exercise regimen you can think of.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Constructing from a strong PVC rope the TKO Skip Rope is super lightweight and portable for quick trips to and from the gym. With durable and shatterproof handles this jump rope can last for years with proper care. The length on these is 274 cm which is ideal for the average athlete. Floyd Mayweather used the predecessor to this rope a few years ago (TKO Lightweight Jump Rope).

Overall Rating: 4.25/5