Lesson 5 - Skipping and Jumping Techniques
Movement Mastery
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we develop different skipping and jumping patterns to improve our coordination and create exciting movement sequences?
Learning Objectives
- Practice a variety of skipping techniques with proper form and control
- Participate in skipping challenges against self and others to measure progress
- Discover creative ways to skip and jump with a partner in sequences
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate at least 3 different skipping techniques with improved coordination
- Students will create and perform a skipping sequence with a partner showing rhythm and timing
- Students will show resilience when attempting challenging movements and celebrate others' efforts
Equipment & Resources Required
Check rope length is appropriate - should reach armpits when standing on middle
Alternative: Large hoops for students who struggle with ropes
10-15 bean bags per team zone, clearly separated
Alternative: Small soft balls or foam blocks
Mixed in with bean bags for extension activity
Alternative: Bean bags of different colour
Mark team zones, individual practice areas, and race lanes
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines
Visible and audible timer for timed challenges
Alternative: Smartphone timer or counting apps
Simple recording sheets for partner counting activities
Alternative: Mental counting for younger students
Key Vocabulary
A rhythmic movement combining steps and small jumps, often with a rope
Jumping and landing with both feet together at the same time
Jumping and landing on the same foot repeatedly
Jumping with feet apart and arms up, then back together
A series of movements performed in a specific order
A regular pattern of movement or timing
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic jumping on two feet from Year 2
- Simple hopping movements and balance skills
- Following instructions and working in pairs safely
Current Skills
- Multiple skipping techniques with rope and without
- Creating and remembering movement sequences
- Timing and coordination in partner activities
Next Steps
- Complex combination jumps in athletics events
- Speed and agility footwork patterns
- Competitive skipping games and tournaments
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise wrist action rather than whole arm movement when skipping with rope
- Encourage light, bouncing landings on balls of feet with bent knees
- Focus on cooperation and support between partners rather than competition
- Build confidence through progressive skill development from simple to complex
- Celebrate effort and improvement over natural ability or winning
- Ensure adequate spacing and safety awareness during all movement activities
- Use positive language and specific feedback to develop technique
Common Misconceptions
- That all students should master rope skipping immediately - some need hoops or more time
- That competition is more important than cooperation - emphasise partnership support
- That jumping higher is better - focus on control and technique over power
- That fast movement shows more skill - emphasise quality and rhythm over speed
- That students who struggle are not trying - recognise different developmental stages
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Keep activities short and varied, provide clear boundaries, use positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
- Break skills into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use wall support for balance if needed
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule, allow processing time for instructions, offer quiet space if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for timing, provide written instructions, demonstrate all activities clearly
physical disability
- Adapt jumping to stepping or arm movements, provide seated alternatives, use larger/easier equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, describing movements, using sequence vocabulary, partner communication
Maths
Counting skips and jumps, timing activities, measuring rope lengths, recording results
Science
Forces in jumping (gravity, push, pull), energy transfer, heart rate changes during exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness, directions (left/right turns), mapping movement patterns around space
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to observe all students, position at corner of area for maximum visibility during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct jumping technique, safe spacing, and positive cooperation between partners
Intervention Points
Step in if students show unsafe technique, provide individual support for struggling learners, mediate any conflicts
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: All techniques slowly and clearly, emphasise key teaching points, show common mistakes to avoid
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft landings!'
- •'Find your space!'
- •'Wrist action, not shoulders!'
- •'Support your partner!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space for whole class activities, or large school hall
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and with adequate height clearance
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all skipping ropes for fraying or damage before use
- •Ensure rope lengths are appropriate - should reach armpits when standing on centre
- •Inspect bean bags and hoops for wear and safe condition
- •Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Rope tangling or whipping during skipping practice
- •Falls during jumping and hopping activities
- •Overexertion during relay races and timed challenges
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and personal space expectations
- •Teach proper rope handling and safety procedures
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
- •Regular rest periods and hydration reminders
- •Adequate spacing between students during all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas like relay race lanes
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure equipment is used safely and appropriately
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on safety signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed