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Lesson 1 - Jumping Techniques and Combinations

Movement Mastery

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Year 3

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

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

SAQ Ladders

6-8 ladders

Place ladders 3 metres apart across activity area, ensure flat surface underneath

Alternative: Masking tape or cones to create ladder patterns on ground

Measuring Tapes

4-6 tape measures

Have measuring equipment ready at jumping zones for distance recording

Alternative: Metre sticks or pre-marked measuring zones

Cones

20-30 cones

Use to mark starting lines, landing zones, and group boundaries

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or floor tape for boundaries

Score Sheets

8 clipboards with recording sheets

Attached to clipboards for easy handling during outdoor activities

Alternative: Whiteboard or simple paper for group recording

Stopwatch

4 stopwatches

For timing sustained jumping challenges and timed sequences

Alternative: Mobile phones with timer function

Key Vocabulary

Takeoff

The moment when both feet leave the ground to begin a jump

Sequence

A series of jumping movements performed one after another in a specific order

Combination jumps

Different types of jumps linked together, such as 1-2, 2-2, 2-1 patterns

Approach

The run-up or steps taken before making a jump

Landing technique

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

Consistent flat foot takeoff with upright body position

Smooth transition between different jumping techniques in sequences

Accurate measurement and recording of jumping distances

Clear verbal instruction when teaching sequences to peers

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