Lesson 3 - Jumping Techniques and Control
Whole-Body Athletics Basics
•Year 1
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Scattered around activity area with 2m spacing minimum
Alternative: Small cones, bean bags, chalk circles
Mark boundaries and relay points 15m apart
Alternative: Tall markers, posts with flags
Varied distances for relay courses - 1-2m spacing
Alternative: Rope circles, chalked circles
Key Vocabulary
Jumping and landing on the same foot
Taking off from one foot and landing on the opposite foot
Taking off and landing with both feet together
Height gained when jumping upward
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
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.