Lesson 5 - Jumping for Height and Safe Landing
Speed, Power & Fair Play
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Place lengthways for side-to-side jumping, ensure stable positioning
Alternative: Low hurdles, cones to mark jump lines
Use to mark starting lines and create jumping targets
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines
Arrange in lines of 4 for jumping sequences at Station A
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, poly spots
Set at appropriate height for Year 3 - approximately knee height
Alternative: Cones, small boxes, rope between cones
Individual lengths appropriate for student height - reach armpits when standing on rope
Alternative: Long ropes cut to individual lengths, resistance bands
Weather-resistant display showing teaching points and safety reminders
Alternative: Laminated instruction sheets, visual demonstration pictures
Create height targets on wall for vertical jumping challenges
Alternative: Masking tape markers, elastic bands on wall bars
Key Vocabulary
The moment when both feet leave the ground to begin a jump
The controlled return to the ground with bent joints to absorb impact
Two feet to two feet movement pattern
One foot to the same foot movement pattern
One foot to the other foot movement pattern
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
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