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Lesson 4 - Jumping Technique and Control

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 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

Cones

Distributed randomly around teaching area with safe spacing between each cone

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines

Measuring Tapes

4-6

Available for distance measuring activities

Alternative: Metre rulers, marked lines on floor

Sun Markers

Multiple

Mark clear 10m distances for jumping challenges

Alternative: Cones, chalk lines, rope

Key Vocabulary

Take-off

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

Landing

When your feet touch the ground after a jump, with bent knees to absorb impact

Hop

Jumping from one foot and landing on the same foot

Leap

Jumping from one foot and landing on the opposite foot

Jump

Taking off from two feet and landing on two feet

Flight phase

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

Consistent safe landings with bent knees

Coordinated arm swing during jumping movements

Ability to differentiate between jump, hop and leap

Improved jumping distance through technique refinement

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