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Lesson 5 - Skipping and Jumping Techniques

Movement Mastery

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Year 3

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Athletics

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1h 8min

Big Question

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

Ropes

1 per student (30)

Check rope length is appropriate - should reach armpits when standing on middle

Alternative: Large hoops for students who struggle with ropes

Balls

25 total

10-15 bean bags per team zone, clearly separated

Alternative: Small soft balls or foam blocks

Softballs

6-8

Mixed in with bean bags for extension activity

Alternative: Bean bags of different colour

Cones

12-16

Mark team zones, individual practice areas, and race lanes

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Stopwatch

Visible and audible timer for timed challenges

Alternative: Smartphone timer or counting apps

Score Sheets

1 per pair

Simple recording sheets for partner counting activities

Alternative: Mental counting for younger students

Key Vocabulary

Skipping

A rhythmic movement combining steps and small jumps, often with a rope

Two-footed jumping

Jumping and landing with both feet together at the same time

Hopping

Jumping and landing on the same foot repeatedly

Star jumps

Jumping with feet apart and arms up, then back together

Sequence

A series of movements performed in a specific order

Rhythm

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

Smooth rhythm maintained for 10+ consecutive skips

Clear differentiation between different jump types

Confident performance of self-created sequences

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