Lesson 5 - Jumping for Height and Distance
Core Skills Through Play
•Year 1
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•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 our whole body to jump higher and further?
Learning Objectives
- Develop jumping technique for both height and distance
- Understand the difference between vertical and horizontal jumping
- Learn how to measure jumping performance
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved jumping technique for height and distance
- Students will measure their own vertical jumping ability
- Students will work cooperatively to analyse and improve performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Divided into team sets by colour
Alternative: Coloured cones, fabric squares
Arranged in 3x3 grid 10m from starting line
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Hurdles, bars, ropes, ladders, spots distributed around area
Alternative: Skipping ropes, cones, mats
For measuring vertical and long jumps
Alternative: Metre rulers, marked lines
For marking vertical jump measurements on wall
Alternative: Washable markers, tape
For safe landing areas in long jump practice
Alternative: Marked floor areas
For scissor kick jumping obstacles
Alternative: Pool noodles, plastic bottles
For lateral jumping practice
Alternative: Marked lines, ropes
Key Vocabulary
Jumping straight up for maximum height
Jumping forward for maximum distance from a standing position
The moment when both feet leave the ground to begin a jump
Coming back down to the ground safely after a jump
A jumping action where legs move like scissors in the air
Bending knees deeply to prepare for jumping
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic two-footed jumping
- Simple landing techniques
- Following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Vertical jumping technique with arm drive
- Standing long jump technique
- Measuring jumping performance
- Peer observation and analysis
Next Steps
- Running jumps and take-offs
- Advanced jumping techniques
- Competitive jumping activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Two-footed take-off provides stability and power for jumping
- Arms provide crucial momentum - swing up for height, forward for distance
- Deep squat preparation allows maximum power from leg muscles
- Landing with weight forward prevents falling backwards
- Measuring jumps helps children understand their progress and improvement
- Different jumping techniques serve different purposes
- Partner observation develops analysis skills and builds cooperation
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that jumping higher is always better than jumping with good technique
- Believing that only leg muscles are important for jumping, ignoring arms
- Assuming that measuring from front foot gives accurate long jump distance
- Thinking that all jumps should be the same technique regardless of purpose
- Believing that only the best jumpers should be celebrated, not effort and improvement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks built into lesson, clear boundaries for activities, immediate feedback and praise, partner support for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified jumping sequences initially, extra practice time for coordination, visual aids for technique, peer modelling and support
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules for circuit rotations, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent routines and structure, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment for contrast, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, tactile guidance for jumping positions, buddy system for support
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, hand signals for circuit rotations, visual timers for activities
physical disability
- Seated or supported jumping modifications, adapted measuring techniques, peer support for participation, modified equipment heights
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, explaining techniques to partners, describing movement and measurement processes
Maths
Measuring jump heights and distances, comparing measurements, counting jumps in speed activities, timing rotations
Science
Understanding forces in jumping, gravity and landing, muscle power and coordination, energy and movement
PSHE
Cooperation and support in partner work, managing feelings during challenges, building confidence through achievement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around activity area to observe all children, position near challenging activities for support
Observation Focus
Watch for jumping technique development, safety awareness, and peer cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in if children struggling with technique, safety concerns arise, or peer interactions need support
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show jumping techniques clearly, emphasise key body positions, model measuring processes step-by-step
Verbal Cues
- •'Drive up from your feet like rockets!'
- •'Arms like strong rockets launching you!'
- •'Land soft and balanced!'
- •'Great effort - watch how your partner does it!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor area with wall space for vertical jump measuring
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, suitable for running and jumping activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all jumping equipment is stable and at appropriate height for Year 1
- •Ensure bean bags are soft and safe for throwing
- •Verify mats are positioned correctly for safe landings
- •Check chalk is washable and non-toxic
- •Ensure measuring equipment has no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during jumping activities
- •Collisions between children during warm-up game
- •Equipment instability during jumping
- •Overexertion during circuit activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and safe spacing for all activities
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex jumps
- •Appropriate equipment height and stability checks
- •Partner supervision and support during skill practice
- •Regular rest and rotation through circuit activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all jumping activities
- •Monitor equipment stations for safe use
- •Ensure adequate space between children during jumping
- •Watch for signs of fatigue during circuit work
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other children are safe and calm