The Basic Jumps

Side Swing Jump

The Side Swing is not really jumping.  It's used to learn how to rotate the rope in a smooth circle.  It establishes rhythm and allows active rest, while keeping your momentum. It also allows a smooth stop after jumping.  Focus on rotating to keep the rope fully extended through the complete circle.

Note that this basic move will tend to twist and tangle cheap jump ropes.

Figure Eight

The Figure 8 is very similar to the Side Swing, but alternates sides, and positions you for jumping.  It is also used to rest between jumping sessions, while maintaining rhythm without completely stopping.

Note that movement is led from the dominant hand, with the other one simply follows through.

Figure Eight to Jump Transition

Figure 8 to Jump Transition helps to learn jumping gradually, minimizing effort and frustrating missed skips. We highly recommend dedicating a good amount of time to learn this transition to jumping, as it is part of all jumps, at any level. Do the Figure 8, jump and back to Figure 8. With more confidence jump several times, and back to Figure 8.

Running Jump

The Running Jump is probably the most important basic jump to learn because it teaches the required single jump per rope revolution.  Skipping twice per revolution is a common rookie mistake (shown below), so get this one right and you're on your way to great jumping ability. 

Remember you can always rest with Figure 8 while keeping your rhythm and momentum.

Standard Bounce Jump

The Standard Bounce Jump is the most common jump, but you should practice it only after you do the running jump, making sure you jump once per revolution on the Running Jump above. Speeding up the rope rotation will help. Remember to use the Side Swing and Figure 8 to rest without stopping.

Two Step Run Jump

The Two Step Run Jump is the Running Jump, but stepping twice on each foot before switching. It helps with timing for switching between different types of jumps.
After learning this trick, going from Double Step to Triple or Cuadruple Step is quite easy.

Common Rookie Mistakes

Double skipping during one rope revolution should be avoided (video). It slows down jumping and results in jerky motion. Higher rope rotation speed will allow you to avoid this.

Also, extending arms far to your sides will waste energy. Adjusting the rope to the correct length helps avoid this.

Last but not least, jumping way too high is not necessary.  Short skips will do it.  A little practice is all that's needed.