Lesson 1 - Jumping Techniques and Control
Jumping & Dynamic Mastery
•Reception
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to jump safely and powerfully in different directions?
Learning Objectives
- To develop jumping skills using different techniques and directions
- To understand the importance of safe landing with bent knees
- To demonstrate controlled movement within defined spaces
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to perform various jumping techniques with increasing control
- Students will demonstrate safe landing techniques with bent knees
- Students will work cooperatively and safely within activity spaces
Equipment & Resources Required
Lines spaced 2 metres apart across activity area
Alternative: Chalk to draw lines, rope laid on ground
Laid flat on ground with clear approach space
Alternative: Chalk squares, hoops laid flat
Height 15-20cm, spaced 1 metre apart
Alternative: Pool noodles, small traffic cones
Placed 25cm apart at ground level
Alternative: Skipping ropes laid on ground
For boulder throwing game activity
Alternative: Bean bags, soft playground balls
For hopscotch pattern and jumping targets
Alternative: Chalk circles, small mats
Key Vocabulary
The moment when both feet leave the ground to begin a jump
When feet touch the ground at the end of a jump
Jumping using both feet to take off and both feet to land
A jumping technique where legs move like scissors in the air
Turning 90 degrees while jumping
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic locomotor movements (walking, running)
- Simple two-footed jumps on the spot
- Following simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Jumping with control in multiple directions
- Safe landing techniques with bent knees
- Jumping over obstacles and markers
Next Steps
- Jumping for distance and height
- Combining jumps in sequences
- Advanced jumping techniques in gymnastics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise bent-knee landings for safety in all jumping activities
- Use arms for balance and power - swing them to help with jump momentum
- Spatial awareness is crucial - always check landing area before jumping backwards
- Quality over quantity - better to do fewer jumps with good technique
- Build confidence through progressive skill development from basic to advanced
- Encourage persistence with challenging skills while maintaining safety focus
- Peer encouragement and recognition builds positive learning environment
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Jumping higher is always better - Correction: Controlled, safe jumping with good technique is the priority
- Misconception: Landing on straight legs is acceptable - Correction: Always emphasise bent knees for shock absorption
- Misconception: All children should master advanced skills like scissor kicks - Correction: Focus on individual progress and effort
- Misconception: Speed is most important in circuits - Correction: Technique and safety are more important than completion time
- Misconception: Harder throwing makes boulder game more fun - Correction: Gentle throws maintain safety and inclusion
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity segments with frequent changes, provide specific roles and responsibilities, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Use larger targets and lower equipment, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step verbal guidance for complex movements
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of lesson sections, warn of noise levels during games, offer quiet space if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all visual demonstrations, assign buddy for guidance during circuit
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written or pictorial instructions for stations
physical disability
- Allow seated jumping movements, modify jump heights to abilities, provide alternative stepping movements over equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting jumps in timed challenges, measuring jump distances, understanding quarter turns and spatial directions
Science
Understanding forces in jumping and landing, body systems working during exercise, impact and cushioning effects
PSHE
Building confidence through skill development, cooperation and encouragement of others, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously around activity area to observe all children, position for maximum visibility during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for soft landing technique, spatial awareness, effort levels, and cooperative behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in when children show poor landing technique, unsafe behaviour, or need encouragement to persist
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate jumping techniques slowly first, then at normal speed. Exaggerate key points like knee bend and arm swing. Use children as positive examples whenever possible.
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft knees, quiet landings!'
- •'Use your arms to help!'
- •'Look where you're going!'
- •'Take your time - safety first!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, indoor hall or outdoor playground surface
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from debris, adequate cushioning for jumping activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check agility ladders lay flat with no raised edges
- •Ensure hurdles are appropriate height (15-20cm) and stable
- •Verify soft balls are foam/soft material only
- •Confirm all markers and cones have no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ankle injuries from incorrect landing technique
- •Collisions during circuit work and games
- •Falls during backwards jumping
- •Over-exertion during continuous jumping
Risk Mitigation
- •Constant emphasis on bent-knee landing technique
- •Clear spacing requirements and traffic flow in circuit
- •Careful supervision during backwards jumping
- •Regular rest periods and technique checks
- •Gentle throwing rules strictly enforced in boulder game
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all children during circuit work
- •Active monitoring of throwing intensity in boulder game
- •Close supervision during backwards jumping practice
- •Quick response to technique problems before they become habits
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed