Lesson 1 - Jumping Techniques and Combinations
Movement Mastery
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use different jumping techniques to improve our athletic performance and create exciting movement sequences?
Learning Objectives
- To develop and refine a variety of jumping techniques including two-footed jumps, hopping, and combination movements
- To understand and apply correct takeoff techniques to improve jumping distance and control
- To work collaboratively to create, teach, and assess jumping sequences using ladders and measured spaces
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate at least 4 different jumping techniques through ladder sequences
- Students will show improved takeoff technique with flat foot placement and upright body position
- Students will successfully teach and learn jumping sequences from peers while accurately measuring and recording results
Equipment & Resources Required
Place ladders 3 metres apart across activity area, ensure flat surface underneath
Alternative: Masking tape or cones to create ladder patterns on ground
Have measuring equipment ready at jumping zones for distance recording
Alternative: Metre sticks or pre-marked measuring zones
Use to mark starting lines, landing zones, and group boundaries
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or floor tape for boundaries
Attached to clipboards for easy handling during outdoor activities
Alternative: Whiteboard or simple paper for group recording
For timing sustained jumping challenges and timed sequences
Alternative: Mobile phones with timer function
Key Vocabulary
The moment when both feet leave the ground to begin a jump
A series of jumping movements performed one after another in a specific order
Different types of jumps linked together, such as 1-2, 2-2, 2-1 patterns
The run-up or steps taken before making a jump
How we safely absorb the impact when coming down from a jump
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic jumping on the spot from Year 2
- Simple hopping movements and balance activities
- Understanding of taking turns and following instructions
- Basic counting and measurement concepts
Current Skills
- Variety of jumping techniques including ladder sequences
- Correct takeoff technique with flat foot placement
- Creating and teaching movement sequences to peers
- Measuring and recording athletic performance
Next Steps
- Long jump technique with run-up approach
- High jump and standing broad jump events
- Athletics competition formats and rules
- Personal best tracking and improvement planning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Flat foot takeoff with upright body position is fundamental to all jumping improvements
- Focus on soft landings with bent knees to prevent injury and improve technique
- Head up, looking ahead helps maintain balance and prevents trips over equipment
- Opposite arm and leg coordination improves power and efficiency in jumping movements
- Encourage effort and improvement over comparison with others' performance
Common Misconceptions
- Taking off from toes gives higher jumps - actually reduces power and control
- Looking down at equipment helps with accuracy - causes poor posture and increased falls
- Same-side arm and leg movement feels natural - reduces jumping efficiency and balance
- Faster always means better - technique and control are more important than speed
- Jumping should hurt your legs - proper technique should feel controlled and sustainable
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and waiting areas, offer movement breaks and fidget tools as needed
dyspraxia
- Simplify jumping sequences, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment spacing, offer physical guidance and support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet observation time before participating, maintain consistent routine and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured ladder equipment, provide verbal descriptions of movements, assign sighted buddy for guidance through activities
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for start/stop, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Modify jumping to stepping or marching patterns, allow seated upper body movements, provide alternative measurement and timing roles
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Using specific vocabulary to describe jumping techniques, giving clear instructions when teaching sequences, providing constructive feedback to peers
Maths
Measuring jumping distances, counting jumps in time periods, timing activities with stopwatches, recording and comparing numerical data
Science
Understanding forces during takeoff and landing, exploring how body position affects jump distance, investigating energy transfer during jumping movements
PSHE
Building resilience through personal challenges, developing cooperation during partner work, showing respect and encouragement for others' efforts
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can observe multiple ladder areas, move between groups during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct takeoff technique, safe landing practices, and positive peer interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if jumping technique is unsafe, if students are not following equipment protocols, or if peer interactions become negative
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at normal speed. Emphasise safety points and encourage students to ask questions about technique
Verbal Cues
- •'Flat foot takeoff!'
- •'Soft landings with bent knees!'
- •'Head up, look ahead!'
- •'Use those arms for balance!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, preferably hall or outdoor hard surface
Surface Check
Flat, dry surface free from obstacles, ladders lying completely flat
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check agility ladders have no broken or protruding parts
- •Ensure measuring tapes retract safely and don't create trip hazards
- •Verify cones are stable and not cracked
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Trips and falls from ladder equipment
- •Collisions between students during jumping activities
- •Overexertion during sustained jumping challenges
- •Poor landing technique causing ankle or knee injury
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between activity areas and ladders
- •Emphasis on soft landings with bent knees throughout lesson
- •Controlled group sizes with clear waiting areas
- •Progressive skill building from basic to advanced techniques
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple ladder areas simultaneously
- •Move between groups during challenge stations
- •Watch for fatigue during sustained jumping activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, have contact details for school first aider readily available