Lesson 5 - Flight Patterns and Leaping Sequences
Foundation Flight Skills and Creative Movement Sequences
•Reception
•Gymnastics
•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
How can we use different types of jumps and leaps to create exciting movement sequences?
Learning Objectives
- To develop different types of leaps (cat, scissor, split) with controlled landings
- To create sequences combining jumps, leaps and direction changes
- To mount climbing equipment safely using alternate feet
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate three different leap patterns with cushioned landings
- Students will perform sequences involving leaps, jumps and directional changes
- Students will safely navigate apparatus using alternate foot mounting technique
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged around room perimeter for elevation practice
Alternative: Low benches, mats folded for height, sturdy boxes
Positioned safely with clear approach and landing areas
Alternative: Sturdy steps, playground climbing equipment
Showing cat leap, scissor leap, and split leap positions
Alternative: Printed images, tablet displays, demonstration cards
Placed under and around all apparatus for safety
Alternative: Soft play mats, carpet tiles, foam padding
For timing apparatus setup and pack away challenges
Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock with second hand
To mark individual spaces and apparatus group areas
Alternative: Bean bags, spots, small hoops
Key Vocabulary
Taking off from one foot and landing on the opposite foot
A leap where both knees are brought up towards the chest
A leap where legs are extended in opposite directions like scissors
A leap with legs extended wide apart to the sides
Bending knees and ankles to absorb the impact when landing
The height achieved when jumping or leaping into the air
A series of movements performed one after another
Using first one foot, then the other foot in turn
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic jumping with two feet landing
- Simple balance on one foot
- Following movement directions and stopping on command
Current Skills
- Leaping from one foot to opposite foot
- Cushioned landings with knee bend
- Sequencing different movement patterns
- Alternate foot climbing technique
Next Steps
- Complex gymnastic sequences with apparatus
- Flight phases in vaulting activities
- Advanced balance and coordination challenges
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety through cushioned landings must be established before height or distance challenges
- Alternate foot climbing technique requires slow, deliberate practice with visual modelling
- Peer assessment develops when students have clear criteria to observe
- Apparatus rules prevent injuries and must be consistently enforced
- Progressive skill building from simple leaps to complex sequences ensures success
- Self-assessment accuracy improves with specific learning objectives
- Partner work requires structured roles and clear expectations
Common Misconceptions
- All jumps are the same - clarify difference between two-foot jumps and one-foot-to-opposite-foot leaps
- Higher is always better - emphasise control and technique over height or distance
- Apparatus work is just for fun - explain skill development purposes and learning objectives
- Fast climbing is good climbing - demonstrate slow, controlled alternate foot technique
- Landing hard shows power - teach that soft landings demonstrate skill and protect joints
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent movement changes, clear boundaries for activities, additional adult support for apparatus work
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, break down skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Clear routine for apparatus setup, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of leap types, provide tactile markers for apparatus edges, ensure clear auditory cues for direction changes
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instruction cards, use hand signals for directions
physical disability
- Adapt leaping to seated or supported versions, modify apparatus heights, provide alternative climbing challenges
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Letter recognition during warm-up game, animal vocabulary during movement game, descriptive language for movements
Maths
Counting leap patterns, measuring jumping distances, recognising alternating patterns in climbing
Science
Understanding forces in jumping and landing, gravity effects during flight phase, body mechanics
PSHE
Peer assessment and constructive feedback, perseverance when learning new skills, cooperation during apparatus work
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position near apparatus during climbing practice
Observation Focus
Prioritise landing technique, apparatus safety, and alternate foot climbing development
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe apparatus use, assist with leap technique when students struggle
Demonstration Notes
Use slow, exaggerated movements for leap demonstrations, emphasise safety over height/distance
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft landings like a cat!'
- •'Push off strong, land gentle!'
- •'Left foot, right foot, alternate!'
- •'Knees like springs when you land!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m hall space with 3m clear height for jumping activities
Surface Check
Non-slip hall floor checked for wet patches, debris or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All apparatus checked for stability before use
- •Adequate matting under and around climbing equipment
- •Visual posters securely mounted and non-slip
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from apparatus during climbing practice
- •Collisions during leaping with run-ups
- •Hard landings causing ankle or knee injury
- •Apparatus handling injuries during setup/pack away
Risk Mitigation
- •Supervised apparatus setup with safety rules emphasised
- •Controlled spacing during all leaping activities
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
- •Mandatory cushioned landing technique before attempting elevation
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of apparatus work and climbing
- •Monitor alternate foot climbing technique for safety
- •Watch for fatigue affecting landing technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, clear area for emergency access if needed