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Lesson 3 - Jumping Competitions

Foundational Athletics: Building Technique and Competitive Confidence

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Year 3

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use proper jumping technique to compete fairly and improve our performance?

Learning Objectives

To apply correct jumping techniques in competitive situations
To understand how technique affects jumping distance
To work cooperatively in teams while striving for personal improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate standing long jump and triple jump techniques
Students will compete fairly while supporting teammates
Students will evaluate and improve their jumping performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

25 (various colours)

Different colours for marking distances and team zones

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk

Measuring Tapes

4 (one per jumping zone)

Retractable tapes work best for quick measurement

Alternative: Metre sticks, pre-marked ground lines

Score Sheets

1 per team (8 teams)

Include team names and point tracking system

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, laminated sheets with dry-wipe markers

Mats

4 landing areas

Ensure safe, level landing surfaces at each zone

Alternative: Grass area, gymnastics mats

Key Vocabulary

Standing Long Jump

Jumping as far as possible from a stationary position using both feet

Triple Jump

A sequence of hop, skip (step), and jump performed continuously

Take-off

The moment when feet leave the ground to begin the jump

Landing

Making contact with the ground at the end of the jump

Measurement Point

The closest point to the take-off line where any part of the body touches the ground

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping and landing skills
Understanding of safe landing technique
Experience of individual jumping practice

Current Skills

Competitive jumping application
Team cooperation in athletics
Performance evaluation and improvement

Next Steps

Running jump techniques
Advanced triple jump with run-up
Athletic field event competitions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent technique under competitive pressure

Ability to coach and support teammates

Understanding of measurement and scoring systems

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise safe landing technique with bent knees and balanced position
Use arm swing to generate power and momentum in jumping
Coordinate hop-skip-jump sequence with smooth rhythm and flow
Measure accurately from the closest body contact point to take-off line
Maintain team cooperation and fair play throughout competitive activities
Connect learning to real Olympic achievements and athletic inspiration
Focus on technique improvement rather than just distance achieved

Common Misconceptions

Students think jumping higher rather than longer will achieve better distance
Belief that the strongest students will automatically jump furthest regardless of technique
Assumption that running before jumping isn't different from standing jumps
Thinking that landing with straight legs is stronger than bent knees
Misunderstanding that triple jump is just three separate jumps rather than a flowing sequence

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear role definition, regular positive feedback, movement incorporated throughout

dyspraxia

Simplified technique focus, extra practice time, larger visual targets, breaking down movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, advance warning of competition format, quiet reflection space available

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones for zone marking, verbal descriptions of distances, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of technique, hand signals for rhythm, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated jumping activities, modified distances, alternative team roles such as measurement and scoring

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances, calculating team scores, comparing jump distances, understanding number sequences in scoring

Science

Forces in jumping (gravity, momentum), energy transfer, body mechanics during take-off and landing

Geography

Olympic host cities, countries represented in athletics, mapping global athletic achievements

History

Olympic Games history, British athletic achievements, world record progression over time

PSHE

Teamwork skills, resilience in competition, celebrating diversity in achievement, fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Rotate between jumping zones to provide equal support, position for maximum visibility of all teams

Observation Focus

Monitor jumping technique, team cooperation, measurement accuracy, and competitive sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe jumping, poor sportsmanship, measurement disputes, or students needing technique support

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate techniques multiple times, use students for good examples, show measurement procedures clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Arms back, knees bent, explode up!'
•'HOP-SKIP-JUMP in rhythm!'
•'Land softly, knees bent!'
•'Encourage your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m with clear run-off space

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check measuring tapes retract properly and have no sharp edges
•Ensure cones are soft and visible with no cracks or damage
•Verify landing areas are level and free from hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Landing injuries from poor technique or hard surfaces
•Collisions between students during simultaneous jumping
•Trips and falls over measuring equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear demonstration of safe landing technique
•Adequate spacing between jumping zones and teams
•Proper equipment storage when not in use
•Progressive skill development from basic to competitive

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all four jumping zones
•Rotate between zones to provide technique support
•Monitor competitive intensity to maintain safety focus

Emergency Procedures

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