Lesson 3 - Jumping Competitions
Foundational Athletics: Building Technique and Competitive Confidence
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Different colours for marking distances and team zones
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk
Retractable tapes work best for quick measurement
Alternative: Metre sticks, pre-marked ground lines
Include team names and point tracking system
Alternative: Clipboards with paper, laminated sheets with dry-wipe markers
Ensure safe, level landing surfaces at each zone
Alternative: Grass area, gymnastics mats
Key Vocabulary
Jumping as far as possible from a stationary position using both feet
A sequence of hop, skip (step), and jump performed continuously
The moment when feet leave the ground to begin the jump
Making contact with the ground at the end of the jump
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
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