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Lesson 3 - Hopping and Balance Control

Animal Movement & Spatial Skills

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use one foot to move like animals and keep our balance?

Learning Objectives

To develop single-leg hopping skills with control and balance
To explore hopping in different directions and with variations
To demonstrate safe movement and spatial awareness during activities

Key Outcomes

Students will hop confidently on either leg with good technique
Students will negotiate space safely while hopping
Students will understand and follow game rules and equipment sharing

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-30

Arranged in pairs for gates and boundary markers

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk circles

Mats

Paired with cones for hopping gates

Alternative: Chalk marks, tape crosses

Hoops

6-8

Placed in corners of activity area

Alternative: Coloured mats, chalk circles

Balls

30-40

Used as 'dinosaur eggs' in centre circle

Alternative: Soft balls, foam blocks

Key Vocabulary

Hopping

Moving by jumping on one foot repeatedly

Balance

Staying steady and not falling over

Counterbalance

Using arms and free leg to help stay balanced

Spatial awareness

Knowing where you are in space and avoiding others

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Can balance on one foot briefly
Can jump with two feet together
Understands basic movement vocabulary

Current Skills

Single-leg hopping with balance
Directional hopping (forwards, backwards, sideways)
Spatial awareness while moving

Next Steps

Hopping sequences and patterns
Hopping over obstacles
Combining hopping with other movements

Milestone Indicators

Maintains balance throughout hopping sequence

Can alternate legs smoothly

Shows control when stopping

Key Teaching Points

Hopping uses one foot for takeoff and landing on the same foot
Arms and free leg provide counterbalance and forward momentum
Slight forward lean and knee bend on landing ensures control
Spatial awareness prevents collisions and maintains safety
Practice on both legs develops balanced coordination
Game rules and equipment sharing develop social skills
Different directions challenge balance and coordination differently

Common Misconceptions

Using both feet (jumping) instead of single foot hopping
Thinking hopping should be easy on both legs immediately
Believing speed is more important than control and technique
Not understanding that arms help with balance and power
Expecting to master all directions equally quickly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplify movements initially, provide additional demonstration, allow extra practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule, allow sensory breaks, establish calm routines and predictable structure

visual impairment

Use textured markers for boundaries, provide audio cues for directions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

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

physical disability

Modify to seated hopping movements, use upper body variations, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, vocabulary development, listening and responding skills

Maths

Counting gates in hopping course, team egg collection totals, understanding of directions and spatial concepts

Science

Balance and forces in hopping, how the body works during exercise, understanding of push and pull forces

Geography

Directional vocabulary (forwards, backwards, sideways), spatial awareness and navigation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, taking turns, perseverance when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct single-foot takeoff and landing, arm movement for balance, spatial awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if students show poor balance control, guide technique development, manage fatigue levels

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate slowly first, then at normal speed. Show common mistakes and corrections. Use students as positive examples when appropriate.

Verbal Cues

•'One foot takeoff, same foot landing!'
•'Use your arms to help balance!'
•'Lean slightly forward, bend your knee!'
•'Find your space and stay safe!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area with 2m boundary clearance

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, suitable for repeated hopping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Ensure bean bags are soft and securely filled
•Verify hoops lie flat and won't create trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Loss of balance leading to falls
•Fatigue affecting hopping leg control
•Collisions during games and activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and spatial awareness
•Monitor for fatigue and provide rest breaks
•Ensure adequate spacing during all activities
•Teach safe falling techniques if balance is lost

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during directional hopping
•Monitor technique closely to prevent poor habits
•Watch for signs of fatigue in supporting leg

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, provide appropriate support and comfort