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Lesson 2 - Jumping and Landing Techniques

Whole-Body Movement Confidence

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Reception

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to become amazing jumping athletes?

Learning Objectives

Develop fundamental jumping skills using different take-off and landing combinations
Coordinate running movements with jumping actions
Understand the effect of physical activity on the body

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved jumping technique with soft landings
Students will show coordination in run-up to jump combinations
Students will recognise physical changes in their body during exercise

Equipment & Resources Required

Sun Markers

Multiple

Use existing playground markings or create with chalk

Alternative: Chalk lines, masking tape

Coloured Cones

20-30

Blue cones for pond edges, various colours for molehills

Alternative: Marker spots, bean bags

Hoops

10-15

Various sizes for lily pads and team houses

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Mats

20-30

Different colours for activities and pathways

Alternative: Paper plates, painted ground spots

Hurdles

6-8

Low height suitable for Reception children

Alternative: Pool noodles, rope at low height

Wall Bars

2-3

Flat on ground for safe stepping/jumping

Alternative: Chalk ladder patterns, tape on ground

Key Vocabulary

Take-off

The moment when both or one foot leaves the ground to begin a jump

Landing

When feet touch the ground after jumping, with knees bent to absorb impact

Two feet to two feet

Jumping where you take off with both feet and land on both feet

One foot to two feet

Jumping where you take off with one foot and land on both feet

Arm swing

Using arms to help create power and momentum for jumping

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic balance on one and two feet
Walking and running with control
Following simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Two-footed jumping and landing
One foot to two feet jumping
Coordinating arms with jumping movements

Next Steps

Jumping for distance and height
Running and jumping combinations
Advanced landing techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistent soft landings with bent knees

Visible arm swing to aid jumping

Smooth transition from run to jump

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise soft landings with bent knees to prevent injury
Use arms to generate power and maintain balance during jumping
Progress from two-footed to one-foot take-offs gradually
Maintain spatial awareness during all movement activities
Connect jumping skills to real-world contexts (puddles, animals)
Celebrate effort and improvement over absolute performance
Use positive role modelling to enhance peer learning

Common Misconceptions

Children think jumping higher is always better than controlled technique
Landing with straight legs is acceptable - emphasise shock absorption
Arms are not important for jumping - demonstrate power generation
One foot to two feet jumping is the same as hopping - clarify landing difference
Faster always means better - emphasise control and technique quality

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, provide additional demonstrations

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, allow processing time for instructions, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of all activities, provide tactile markers for jumping targets, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards

physical disability

Modify jumping requirements to stepping or supported movements, provide seated alternatives where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using descriptive language about movement, letter recognition during games

Maths

Counting jumps and successful activities, measuring jumping distances, understanding concepts of more/less

Science

Understanding how the body works during exercise, observing changes in breathing and heart rate

PSHE

Working as part of a team, showing resilience when activities are challenging, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during group activities, mobile during circuit work, always maintaining visual contact with all children

Observation Focus

Landing technique quality, use of arms for power and balance, spatial awareness during movement, signs of fatigue

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe technique, provide encouragement for reluctant participants, offer technique reminders

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show correct technique, involve children in demonstrations, break down complex skills into simple steps

Verbal Cues

•'Soft landings with bendy knees!'
•'Use your arms to help you!'
•'Spring up like a kangaroo!'
•'Land like a gentle airplane!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for activities, additional circuit area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface suitable for jumping and landing, free from holes or uneven areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All jumping apparatus at appropriate height for Reception children
•Hoops and markers stable and non-slip
•Circuit equipment properly spaced with clear pathways
•No sharp edges or dangerous equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during group activities
•Falls from poor landing technique
•Trips over equipment or markers
•Overexertion during sustained activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear activity boundaries and spacing established
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Constant emphasis on soft landing technique
•Regular rest periods and hydration breaks
•Teacher positioned for optimal supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Central position during warm-up for visibility of all children
•Mobile supervision during circuit activities
•Specific focus on landing technique during jumping practice
•Monitor for fatigue and overexertion signs

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required