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Lesson 3 - Jumping Techniques and Control

Whole-Body Athletics Basics

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Year 1

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to jump higher, further, and land safely?

Learning Objectives

Develop different styles of jumping including hops, leaps, and two-footed jumps
Improve technique to increase height and distance of jumps
Demonstrate sporting values including safety awareness and encouragement

Key Outcomes

Students will perform controlled jumps with proper take-off and landing technique
Students will distinguish between different types of jumps (hop, leap, two-footed)
Students will demonstrate safe spatial awareness during jumping activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Mats

30-40

Scattered around activity area with 2m spacing minimum

Alternative: Small cones, bean bags, chalk circles

Dish Cones

Mark boundaries and relay points 15m apart

Alternative: Tall markers, posts with flags

Hoops

20-30

Varied distances for relay courses - 1-2m spacing

Alternative: Rope circles, chalked circles

Key Vocabulary

Hop

Jumping and landing on the same foot

Leap

Taking off from one foot and landing on the opposite foot

Two-footed jump

Taking off and landing with both feet together

Elevation

Height gained when jumping upward

Control

Landing safely and staying balanced

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic balance and coordination skills
Understanding of following instructions
Experience with running and stopping safely

Current Skills

Two-footed jumping with control
Single-foot hopping technique
Leaping from one foot to opposite foot
Using arms for elevation and balance

Next Steps

Jumping for distance measurements
Combined jumping sequences
Introduction to long jump technique

Milestone Indicators

Consistent bent-knee take-offs and landings

Ability to hop on weaker foot

Controlled leaping with opposite foot landing

Natural arm swing coordination

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise bent knees for safe take-off and landing
Use arms actively to gain height and maintain balance
Maintain control and balance - technique over height or distance
Practice on both feet to develop bilateral coordination
Spatial awareness is crucial for safety during mobile jumping
Encourage effort and improvement rather than comparison to others
Link jumping skills to real-world applications and other sports

Common Misconceptions

Jumping higher means landing harder - teach soft, controlled landings
Only strong leg matters for hopping - emphasise bilateral development
Arms don't matter for jumping - demonstrate clear arm contribution
Leaping and hopping are the same - clearly distinguish foot patterns
Speed is more important than technique - prioritise control and safety

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles in team activities

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, peer support for balance, larger target areas

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual timetable for lesson sections, quiet space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured floor spots, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated jumping variations, modified equipment heights, adapted distances for individual needs

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting jumps in sequences, measuring jump distances, understanding patterns in relay races

Science

Forces and motion in jumping, gravity and elevation, muscle function during exercise

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around activity space

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, celebrating individual differences

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for optimal viewing of all students. Position centrally for demonstrations.

Observation Focus

Watch for proper take-off and landing technique, spatial awareness, and signs of fatigue

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe jumping technique or spatial awareness issues

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Always show movements slowly and clearly. Exaggerate key technique points like knee bending and arm swing. Use student demonstrators to reinforce learning.

Verbal Cues

•'Bend those knees!'
•'Arms up for height!'
•'Soft landings!'
•'Check your space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor hard surface area, clear of obstacles and with adequate ceiling height for jumping

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from hazards. Check for wet patches or debris before lesson

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Floor spots securely placed and non-slip
•Cones stable and with no sharp edges
•Hoops checked for cracks or rough edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during travelling activities
•Falls during jumping and landing
•Overexertion leading to fatigue
•Ankle twists during hopping activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and personal space emphasis
•Progressive skill building from stationary to mobile
•Proper warm-up and cool-down protocols
•Technique focus over speed or distance
•Adequate rest periods between high-intensity activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor fatigue levels especially during relay races
•Watch for proper technique to prevent injury
•Ensure safe spacing during mobile activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury. Basic first aid available. Clear access routes for emergency services if required.