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Lesson 4 - Tuck Jumping and Apparatus Flight

Foundation Flight Skills and Creative Movement Sequences

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Reception

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Gymnastics

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45 min

Big Question

How can I make my body small and tight whilst jumping through the air?

Learning Objectives

To perform a tuck jump with correct body shape and safe landing
To demonstrate jumping skills on and off apparatus with control
To combine jumping movements into simple sequences

Key Outcomes

Students will jump showing a tucked body shape in the air
Students will jump onto and off apparatus safely and appropriately
Students will create sequences including different jumping movements

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Benches

6 benches

One bench per group of 4-5 students, evenly spaced

Alternative: Low balance beams or sturdy planks

Safety Mats

12 mats

Two mats per bench - one at right angle to end, one along side

Alternative: Thick carpet tiles or crash mats

Tables

6 tables

One table at the end of each bench setup

Alternative: Low boxes or sturdy stools

Cones

12 cones

Mark starting positions and boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags or tape marks

Key Vocabulary

Tuck jump

A jump where you bring your knees up to your chest whilst in the air

Flight

The time when both feet are off the ground during a jump

Mount

Getting onto a piece of apparatus

Dismount

Getting off a piece of apparatus

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another

Apparatus

Equipment used in gymnastics like benches, mats, and tables

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic two-footed jumping and landing
Simple balancing on apparatus
Understanding of body shapes

Current Skills

Tuck jump technique with knee-to-chest action
Apparatus mounting and dismounting
Sequence building with jumping movements

Next Steps

More complex jumping combinations
Advanced apparatus work with multiple pieces
Creative sequence development

Milestone Indicators

Consistent tucked body shape during flight

Safe and controlled apparatus dismounts

Fluid movement between different jumps

Key Teaching Points

Tuck jump requires height first, then knee action
Always land with soft, bent knees for safety
Apparatus work builds confidence through progression
Direction changes develop spatial awareness
Balance challenges improve coordination and control
Self-assessment develops reflective learning skills
Equipment safety is everyone's responsibility

Common Misconceptions

Thinking knees must be pulled up before achieving height - height comes first
Believing tuck jumps are only for dismounting - can be used in various contexts
Assuming apparatus work is about speed - control and technique are priorities
Missing the importance of safe landing - landing technique prevents injury
Not understanding progression - skills build from simple to complex systematically

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular position changes, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Extra practice time, simplified sequences, larger apparatus for confidence, step-by-step breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedules, consistent routines, quiet zones available for regulation

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of apparatus layout, tactile exploration of equipment, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, clear sight lines to teacher, written instruction cards, peer support

physical disability

Modified apparatus heights, seated variations of activities, upper body movement alternatives

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Letter recognition in name game, vocabulary development through technique terms, following complex instructions

Maths

Counting spaces in letter game, timing holds in balance challenges, spatial awareness on apparatus

Science

Understanding of forces in jumping, gravity effects during flight phase, body mechanics in movement

PSHE

Cooperation during equipment setup, supporting others, honest self-assessment, celebrating achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during apparatus work to observe all groups, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Monitor jumping technique, apparatus confidence, safety awareness, peer cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe behaviour, provide technique coaching, support less confident students

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for tuck jump technique, show both side and front views, repeat key teaching points

Verbal Cues

•'Jump for height first, then bring knees up!'
•'Soft landings with bent knees!'
•'Hold your balance for three seconds!'
•'Show me your tuck shape!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall size 15m x 10m, ceiling height minimum 3m for jumping activities

Surface Check

Non-slip floor surface, check for any wet areas or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check benches are stable and legs locked
•Ensure mats are flat with no curled edges
•Verify tables/nesting tables are stable
•Check equipment spacing allows safe movement

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from apparatus
•Collision between students
•Inappropriate landing technique
•Equipment instability

Risk Mitigation

•Proper mat placement at all landing areas
•Clear queuing systems at apparatus stations
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Adult supervision during all apparatus work
•Equipment checks before each use

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all apparatus stations
•Move between groups during independent work
•Station adult support at most challenging apparatus

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required