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Lesson 5 - Jumping for Height and Coordination

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 jump as high as possible and land safely?

Learning Objectives

To develop jumping techniques for height using coordinated movements
To understand how different body parts contribute to effective jumping
To practice timing and coordination in jumping activities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved jumping height through coordinated arm and leg movements
Students will identify key body parts involved in jumping for height
Students will show understanding of take-off timing and safe landing techniques

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops

6-8

Placed 10 metres from team starting positions

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Bean bags

15 (half class set)

Ready to distribute for grabbing activity

Alternative: Small ribbons, tissue paper

Low Hurdles

4-6

Height appropriate for Reception (15-20cm)

Alternative: Pool noodles on cones, tape lines

Cones

12-15

Mark boundaries and traffic light areas

Alternative: Markers, spots

Music Player

Optional for traffic lights warm-up rhythm

Alternative: Teacher voice commands

Key Vocabulary

Take-off

The moment when both feet leave the ground to begin a jump

Scissor kick

A jumping technique where legs move in opposite directions like scissors

Coordination

Using different parts of your body together smoothly

Height

How high you can jump off the ground

Landing

The safe way to come down after jumping

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic two-footed jumping on the spot
Understanding of stop and start on command
Basic balancing skills

Current Skills

Jumping for height with coordination
Take-off timing and preparation
Scissor kick introduction
Obstacle clearance

Next Steps

Advanced scissor kick technique
Running jump approaches
High jump bar introduction
Competitive jumping activities

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-footed take-off and landing

Coordinated arm and leg movements

Understanding of jumping mechanics

Safe and controlled landing technique

Key Teaching Points

Bend knees deeply before jumping to generate power and height
Drive arms upward actively to assist jumping height and coordination
Land with bent knees to absorb impact safely and maintain balance
Practice single-foot take-off for scissor kick development
Use whole body coordination for maximum jumping effectiveness
Maintain spatial awareness during movement to ensure safety
Develop timing skills through partner and team activities

Common Misconceptions

Students think jumping is only about leg strength - emphasise whole body coordination including arms
Belief that jumping harder means jumping higher - focus on technique over force
Assumption that scissor kick is too difficult - break down into manageable steps
Thinking that self-assessment should always be positive - encourage honest reflection
Misconception that exercise should not make you tired - explain healthy tiredness vs harmful fatigue

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, use clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer equipment, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide extra practice time and encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for activities

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for commands, provide written instruction cards with pictures

physical disability

Modify jumping to seated bouncing movements, use arm movements to simulate jumping, focus on timing and coordination

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting jumps in sequences, measuring jumping distances, comparing heights achieved

Science

Understanding heart rate changes during exercise, identifying body parts and their functions

Geography

Directional movement (forwards, backwards, sideways), spatial awareness and positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, honest self-assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for constant view of all students, position near equipment during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct jumping technique, safe landings, positive peer interactions, signs of fatigue

Intervention Points

Step in when technique becomes unsafe, when students struggle with cooperation, or when activity needs modification

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clear visibility, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for contrast, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Bend those knees for power!'
•'Drive your arms up to help you jump!'
•'Land softly with bent knees!'
•'Watch and learn from your partner!'
•'Great teamwork - help each other!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor hard surface area, minimum 20m x 15m clear space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or uneven areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hurdles appropriate height (15-20cm maximum) with stable base
•Hoops checked for cracks or damage
•Scarves/beanbags soft materials that won't cause injury if dropped
•Cones positioned to avoid tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during free movement activities
•Falls during jumping activities especially when fatigued
•Overenthusiastic jumping leading to loss of control
•Hurdle contact causing trips or falls

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and regularly reinforced
•Adequate spacing between students during all activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
•Regular rest breaks to prevent fatigue-related accidents
•Appropriate hurdle height for age group
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all students

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Constant visual supervision during jumping activities
•Position near hurdle activities for immediate intervention
•Monitor fatigue levels and provide rest as needed
•Watch for students attempting beyond their ability level

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if serious injury suspected