Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can I use a rope to help me practice different jumping movements safely?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop skipping skills using a rope with coordination
  • To practice jumping with a short run-up approach
  • To understand and apply safety measures during equipment use

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved rope skipping technique
  • Students will show progression in jumping with run-up
  • Students will practice safety awareness with equipment

Equipment & Resources Required

Ropes
1 per student (30)

Check rope length - should reach armpits when stood on middle

Alternative: Ribbon streamers, elastic bands for modified practice

Low Hurdles
8-10 hurdles

Height approximately 15cm, spaced 2m apart

Alternative: Foam blocks, pool noodles on cones

Medium Cones
20 cones

For marking positions and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Cones
2 canes

Rest on cone tops at lowest height setting

Alternative: Pool noodles, ribbon between cones

Mats
10 spots

Mark take-off points and landing zones

Alternative: Chalk marks, tape

Dish Cones
6 cones (2 sets of 3)

Place at varying distances for long jump targets

Alternative: Different coloured markers

Key Vocabulary

Skipping

Jumping over a rope as it passes under your feet and over your head

Ready position

Standing with rope behind feet, handles in hands, arms stretched like an eagle

Swing and catch

Moving the rope in a full circle and stopping it in front of feet

Scissor kick

Jumping technique where legs move like scissors in the air

Run-up

Taking running steps before jumping to gain momentum

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic jumping on two feet
  • Simple coordination movements
  • Following safety instructions

Current Skills

  • Rope handling and skipping technique
  • Jumping with approach runs
  • Independent safety awareness

Next Steps

  • Continuous skipping patterns
  • Advanced jumping challenges
  • Leadership in safety practices

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent rope rotation timing
2
Coordinated jump-and-swing movements
3
Self-monitoring of safety practices

Key Teaching Points

  • Always establish personal space before any rope work
  • Emphasise the sequence: swing first, then jump after rope hits ground
  • Model pencil body position for safe and effective jumping
  • Use rhythm and counting to support timing development
  • Celebrate effort and perseverance as much as achievement
  • Maintain constant awareness of spatial safety
  • Progress gradually from static to dynamic movements

Common Misconceptions

  • Students thinking they need to jump and swing simultaneously
  • Believing faster rope movement equals better skipping
  • Assumption that rope length doesn't matter
  • Thinking jumping higher is always better
  • Misconception that perfect technique is required immediately

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
  • Simplified rope techniques, larger targets, extra practice time
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule cards, quiet zones available
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured ropes, verbal descriptions of space, buddy support system
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations, hand signals for rhythm, written instruction cards
physical disability
  • Seated rope handling activities, modified jumping challenges, adaptive equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting jumps and claps, measuring jump distances, recognising patterns in movement

Science

Forces in jumping, gravity effects, coordination and body systems

Music

Rhythm and timing, responding to beats and patterns

PSHE

Perseverance, self-confidence, encouraging others, safety awareness

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during instruction, mobile during practice for individual support

Observation Focus

Rope handling technique, spatial awareness, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe rope use, provide hands-on support for struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations for new skills, involve confident students as models

Verbal Cues
  • •'Swing first, then jump!'
  • •'Keep your space bubble safe!'
  • •'Pencil body for landing!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check rope condition and appropriate length
  • •Ensure hurdles are stable and appropriate height
  • •Verify cones and markers are in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Rope entanglement or whipping
  • •Collisions during group activities
  • •Trips and falls during jumping
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear personal space boundaries established
  • •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
  • •Constant supervision during equipment use

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for clear view of all groups during circuits
  • •Monitor rope swinging techniques closely
  • •Check landing areas remain clear
Emergency Procedures

Stop signal practiced, first aid kit accessible, clear emergency contact procedures