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Lesson 2 - Jumping Technique Development

Foundation Jumping and Locomotion Through Playful Exploration

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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30 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to jump safely and travel far?

Learning Objectives

To develop efficient jumping technique using head, arms and feet
To understand why correct body position helps us jump further and land safely
To apply jumping skills in paired competition activities

Key Outcomes

Students will jump using correct head position, arm swing and knee bend
Students will understand the purpose of each body part in jumping
Students will demonstrate safe landing technique consistently

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

15-20

Used as take-off markers and landing position markers

Alternative: Bean bags, small markers, chalk lines

Balls

15 (1 per pair)

For marking landing distances in competition

Alternative: Small cones, foam blocks

Measuring Tapes

2-3

Optional for measuring jumping distances

Alternative: Marked ground, counting steps

Key Vocabulary

Take-off

Pushing with both feet to leave the ground

Landing

Coming back down and touching the ground safely

Arm swing

Moving arms backwards then forwards to help jump further

Bent knees

Bending legs like sitting on an invisible chair when landing

Technique

The correct way to do something to make it work best

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 personal space
Simple partner work and turn-taking

Current Skills

Coordinated jumping technique with head, arms and legs
Safe landing with bent knees
Applying technique for distance jumping

Next Steps

Jumping for height and distance variations
Jumping over obstacles safely
Using jumping in simple games and activities

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-footed take-off and landing

Coordinated arm swing during jump

Bent knee landing becoming automatic

Key Teaching Points

Head up and eyes looking forward for balance and direction
Arms swing backwards then forwards to generate momentum
Two-footed take-off provides power and stability
Bent knee landing absorbs shock and prevents injury
Coordinate all body parts for maximum efficiency
Safety always more important than distance
Quality technique leads to better performance than rushing

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that jumping harder means better technique - emphasise smooth coordination
Believing that straight legs are stronger - demonstrate why bent knees are safer
Focusing only on legs - show how head and arms are equally important
Thinking competition is only about winning - emphasise personal improvement and fair play
Assuming jumping is natural - explain that good technique must be learned and practiced

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear activity boundaries, frequent technique breaks, varied activity types, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Break down technique into smallest steps, extra practice time, visual guides for body positions, celebrate small improvements

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet practice space available, consistent verbal cues and demonstrations

visual impairment

Use verbal cues for all movements, describe technique clearly, tactile guidance for body positioning, use bright coloured cones

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for start/stop, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Adapt jumping to seated bouncing, focus on arm movements, use supported jumping with assistance, modified landing techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, describing movements, explaining observations

Maths

Measuring distances, comparing lengths, counting and number recognition

Science

Forces and motion, gravity effects on body, shock absorption principles

PSHE

Turn-taking, fair play, supporting others, personal achievement and effort

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

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

Observation Focus

Watch for head position, arm coordination, and safe landing technique

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe landings, provide individual support for struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate perfect technique first, then show common mistakes for contrast, use student examples when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, eyes forward!'
•'Arms back, then swing forward!'
•'Bend those knees like sitting on a chair!'
•'Soft and quiet landings!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground, minimum 15m x 20m clear space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, preferably with some cushioning

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones for cracks or sharp edges
•Ensure bean bags are properly filled and intact
•No equipment left in jumping areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Heavy landings causing injury
•Collisions between students
•Overexertion or fatigue
•Falls due to poor balance

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasis on bent knee landings throughout
•Adequate spacing between students maintained
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular breaks and technique focus over distance

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe landing technique across whole group
•Monitor for fatigue affecting safety
•Ensure competition remains supportive not overly competitive

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, modify activity if patterns of poor technique observed