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Lesson 5 - Jumping for Height and Safe Landing

Speed, Power & Fair Play

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Year 3

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we jump higher whilst landing safely every time?

Learning Objectives

To develop jumping for height with balance and control
To demonstrate safe landing techniques using bent knees
To provide constructive feedback to peers on jumping technique

Key Outcomes

Students will execute controlled jumps with coordinated arm and leg movement
Students will demonstrate safe landing techniques in various jumping activities
Students will observe and provide helpful feedback to improve peer performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Benches

Place lengthways for side-to-side jumping, ensure stable positioning

Alternative: Low hurdles, cones to mark jump lines

Cones

Use to mark starting lines and create jumping targets

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines

Hoops

Arrange in lines of 4 for jumping sequences at Station A

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, poly spots

Hurdles

Set at appropriate height for Year 3 - approximately knee height

Alternative: Cones, small boxes, rope between cones

Ropes

Individual lengths appropriate for student height - reach armpits when standing on rope

Alternative: Long ropes cut to individual lengths, resistance bands

Sun Markers

Weather-resistant display showing teaching points and safety reminders

Alternative: Laminated instruction sheets, visual demonstration pictures

Sticky Notes

1 (optional)

Create height targets on wall for vertical jumping challenges

Alternative: Masking tape markers, elastic bands on wall bars

Key Vocabulary

Take-off

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

Landing

The controlled return to the ground with bent joints to absorb impact

Jump

Two feet to two feet movement pattern

Hop

One foot to the same foot movement pattern

Leap

One foot to the other foot movement pattern

Rhythm

Maintaining a steady, consistent timing pattern in movement

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic jumping on two feet
Understanding of safe movement in PE
Following simple instructions and taking turns

Current Skills

Coordinated arm swing for jumping height
Controlled landing with bent joints
Observing and describing good technique

Next Steps

Jumping for distance with run-up
Complex jumping combinations
Competitive jumping events

Milestone Indicators

Consistent bent knee position at take-off

Soft, controlled landings without overbalancing

Ability to repeat jumping patterns with rhythm

Key Teaching Points

Arms swing forward and upward during take-off for maximum height
Land with bent ankles, knees and hips to absorb impact safely
Maintain rhythm and control rather than rushing through activities
Use specific technical vocabulary when giving feedback to peers
Take time to prepare properly before each jumping challenge
Focus on technique quality over height or speed achievements
Support and encourage teammates throughout all activities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that jumping harder automatically means jumping higher - correct by emphasising technique over effort
Believing that straight legs create better jumps - demonstrate how bent knees provide power
Assuming that only the legs are important in jumping - show how arms contribute significantly
Thinking that landing hard shows a good jump - explain how soft landings demonstrate control
Believing that feedback should only point out mistakes - teach the importance of positive recognition

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries for each station, frequent movement opportunities, specific roles during peer feedback, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, additional practice time, visual and verbal cues combined, buddy support for complex activities

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson structure, predictable station rotations, quiet space available if needed, structured peer interaction guidelines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile markers for stations

hearing impairment

Visual station cards with clear pictures, use hand signals for timing and transitions, face student when giving instructions, buddy system for communication

physical disability

Seated jumping activities, upper body movements mimicking jumping actions, adapted heights for all challenges, alternative scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions and feedback, listening and responding skills

Maths

Counting consecutive skips, measuring jump heights, timing station rotations, understanding sequences and patterns

Science

Forces and motion in jumping, gravity and landing, body systems working during exercise, energy transfer

PSHE

Building confidence, supporting others, accepting feedback positively, celebrating achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear view of all stations, moving between stations during activities to provide support and safety monitoring

Observation Focus

Watch for coordinated arm swing, controlled landings with bent joints, peer interaction quality, and confidence building throughout lesson

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempt unsafe jumping heights, provide additional demonstration for struggling learners, facilitate positive peer feedback

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to emphasise key technique points, demonstrate both correct technique and common errors for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Arms forward and up!'
•'Soft knees on landing!'
•'Take your time, technique first!'
•'Great feedback - be specific!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, minimum 20m x 15m with 3m clear height

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris or obstacles that could cause trips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bench stability and positioning away from walls
•Ensure hurdle heights appropriate for Year 3 (maximum knee height)
•Verify skipping rope lengths suitable for individual students
•Confirm wall targets securely attached and at appropriate heights
•Check hoops for damage and secure placement

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from jumping over equipment
•Collisions between students during activities
•Overexertion leading to poor technique
•Equipment becoming unstable during use

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between all stations (minimum 5 metres)
•Limit numbers at each station to prevent overcrowding
•Emphasise technique over height or speed throughout
•Regular safety checks during activity
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight lines to all five stations
•Monitor bench jumping station particularly closely
•Check landing areas remain clear throughout lesson
•Ensure students follow safety instructions consistently

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if needed, contact office for serious injuries