How to learn the TJ?
The TJ is a high-level multiple under skill where the jumper performs a triple under whilst crossing their arm under their leg (known as a Toad). It’s one of the first leg crosses, multiple unders most jumpers learn as they become more advanced. And a good reason - it’s fun! It can seem daunting at first glance, but there’s a simple progression to unlock and master this skill.
The TJ comprises three core skills; a swing, a leg cross, and a multiple under.
The simplest of these is the swing. The type of swing in question is a Box Swing. Imagine holding a small box out in front of you, shifting it to your side and holding your arms there; this hand placement sets us up for the leg cross. This follows since a Box Swing always leads to a crossing skill. Make sure to scoop both wrists evenly as you swing, letting the rope swing vertically next to your body.
The next skill to learn is the leg cross, Toad. In this leg cross, the bottom hand crosses under the opposite leg - so if the left hand is on the bottom it will cross under the right leg and vice versa. Make sure to lift your knee above hip height when entering the cross and keep your chest up to help you balance.
Once you can exit the Toad with a clean two-footed land, it’s time to combine the swing with the leg cross. Drill the sequence: Swing, Toad, Open. Focus on moving your arms in a tight, efficient path allowing you to speed up. Ideally, you should be able to perform this sequence at 150-160 bpm.
In the following steps, we will combine leg crosses with double unders. Ensure you have learned efficient techniques for basic double unders. For a full breakdown, click here to see the Entry 20 tutorial on Double Unders.
Before combining our leg cross with triple unders, we will first progress to double unders. This progression involves five steps.
STEP 1 - SWING CROSS DOUBLE UNDER
Perform the sequence: OO, SC, OO. This will ensure you can enter and exit the cross position comfortably whilst bounding high and relaxed. Keep your hands tight to your hips, avoiding leaning forward and hinging your body as you bound.
STEP 2 - DOUBLE UNDER IN
Perform the sequence: OO, ST, Open. This will ensure you can enter the Toad placement whilst in the air. Lift your knee as high as possible and land firmly on the straight leg. Exiting the single under Open after is critical for demonstrating rope control.
STEP 3 - DOUBLE UNDER OUT
Perform the sequence: Swing, Toad, OO. This ensures you can uncross your arms from the Toad placement without catching your ankle and safely land at the exit. Keep your chest up and use your elbows to drive the uncrossing movement pattern. Avoid opening your arms wide to uncross.
STEP 4 - SWING TOAD DOUBLE UNDER
Perform the sequence: OO, ST, OO. Doing so, will show you can maintain good posture throughout the TJ movement pattern. Focus on moving your arms in a tight efficient path.
STEP 5 - TRIPLE UNDERS
The next progression is to combine your leg cross with triple unders. Assuming you can perform basic triple unders (Swing Open Open), the progression is short and simple. After learning the SOO, try the following sequences in order:
SOO, SSO, SOO,
SOO, SCO, SOO,
Then, you’re finally ready to move on to the TJ. You can master your TJ by following the following sequence for maximum proficiency.
SOO, “TJ”, Open
SOO, “TJ”, OO,
SOO, “TJ”, SOO,
Now you’ve fully unlocked the TJ, begin including it in your triple under combos. Have fun!