Lesson 4 - Jumping Technique and Control
Speed, Power & Fair Play
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use different jumping techniques to travel the furthest distance whilst maintaining control and safety?
Learning Objectives
- To develop jumping technique using different approaches and take-off positions
- To demonstrate balance and control during take-off and landing phases
- To understand the difference between jumping, hopping and leaping movements
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to perform controlled jumps, hops and leaps with proper technique
- Students will demonstrate safe landing technique with bent knees and balanced posture
- Students will be able to compare and evaluate different jumping techniques for distance
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed randomly around teaching area with safe spacing between each cone
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines
Available for distance measuring activities
Alternative: Metre rulers, marked lines on floor
Mark clear 10m distances for jumping challenges
Alternative: Cones, chalk lines, rope
Key Vocabulary
The moment when your feet leave the ground to begin a jump
When your feet touch the ground after a jump, with bent knees to absorb impact
Jumping from one foot and landing on the same foot
Jumping from one foot and landing on the opposite foot
Taking off from two feet and landing on two feet
The time when you are in the air during a jump
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and stopping movements
- Simple two-foot jumping on the spot
- Understanding of personal space and movement safety
Current Skills
- Controlled jumping with proper take-off and landing technique
- Difference between jumping, hopping and leaping movements
- Using arms and body positioning to improve jumping distance
- Safe landing technique with bent knees and balance
Next Steps
- Standing long jump with measured distances
- Running long jump with approach run
- High jumping techniques and obstacles
- Triple jump combination movements
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Bend knees at take-off and landing for power and safety
- Use arms to swing upward and forward for maximum distance
- Push off from balls of feet with explosive force
- Look ahead during jumping, not down at feet
- Land softly with bent knees to absorb impact
- Understand the difference between jump (two feet to two feet), hop (one foot to same foot), and leap (one foot to other foot)
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that jumping higher always means jumping further - focus on forward trajectory
- Believing that landing hard shows more effort - emphasise soft, controlled landings
- Assuming that all jumping techniques are the same - teach specific characteristics of each
- Thinking that only leg strength matters - demonstrate importance of arm swing and body coordination
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments with clear start/stop signals, provide fidget tools during discussions, offer leadership roles to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Use larger landing targets and simplified movements, provide extra practice time, break down technique into smaller, manageable steps
autism spectrum
- Provide clear sequence cards showing jumping technique steps, offer quiet spaces if overstimulated, maintain consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured cones and verbal descriptions of distances, provide audio feedback on jumping technique, use buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instructions on cards, ensure visual contact before giving instructions
physical disability
- Modify jumping activities to seated variations or upper body movements, adjust distances and expectations, provide alternative measuring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring jumping distances in centimetres and metres, comparing distances, counting hops and jumps, calculating improvement
Science
Understanding forces in jumping - push/pull, gravity effects, muscle contraction and extension, energy transfer
PSHE
Developing resilience when facing challenges, showing respect for others in competitive situations, building self-confidence through achievement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the outside of activity areas to observe technique from different angles and provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for safe landing technique, proper take-off mechanics, and positive social interactions during competitive activities
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if unsafe landing is observed, if competitive behaviour becomes inappropriate, or if students show signs of frustration
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, demonstrate both correct and incorrect examples for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Bend those knees on landing!'
- •'Swing your arms up for power!'
- •'Look ahead, not down at your feet!'
- •'Push off from the balls of your feet!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear area for jumping activities with additional space for run-ups
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, stones or slippery areas that could cause injury
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Ensure measuring equipment is positioned safely away from landing areas
- •Verify all equipment is age-appropriate and in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls due to poor landing technique
- •Collisions between students during jumping activities
- •Overexertion leading to muscle strain
- •Slips on unsuitable surface conditions
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise bent-knee landing technique throughout lesson
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students during all activities
- •Monitor for signs of fatigue and provide rest breaks
- •Check surface conditions before beginning jumping activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all jumping areas
- •Monitor landing technique continuously
- •Watch for competitive behaviour that might compromise safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid and seek medical assistance if required