Lesson 2 - Hurdling & Jumping Skills
Technique & Excellence
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we combine speed and technique to become efficient hurdlers and accurate jumpers?
Learning Objectives
- To develop consistent hurdling technique with lead and trail leg coordination
- To improve accuracy and control in long jump and high jump
- To understand the importance of take-off foot and approach technique
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent hurdling technique using lead and trail leg
- Students will show improved accuracy in jumping activities
- Students will work cooperatively and challenge themselves to improve
Equipment & Resources Required
3 rows of 4 hurdles, 12m to first, 7m between hurdles
Alternative: Cones with canes, agility poles on cones
For marking distances and approach points
Alternative: Spots, markers
For setting accurate hurdle spacing
Alternative: Pre-marked distances on ground
Variable height jumping stations
Alternative: Adjustable skittles with canes
For warm-up catch and tig activity
Alternative: Soft balls, tennis balls
For relay activity footwork
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope ladder
Key Vocabulary
The leg that goes over the hurdle first
The leg that follows over the hurdle
The preferred foot for jumping activities
High jump technique where legs move like scissors
Curved run-up to approach jumping bar sideways
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique
- Simple jumping movements
- Following safety instructions
Current Skills
- Hurdling with lead and trail leg coordination
- Accurate take-off in jumping activities
- Understanding of approach techniques
Next Steps
- Advanced hurdling rhythm
- Competitive jumping techniques
- Complex athletics combinations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Lead leg drives forward straight while trail leg bends and pulls through in hurdling
- Take-off foot preference affects approach direction in high jump activities
- Opposite arm coordination with lead leg improves balance and efficiency
- Forward lean and head position crucial for safe and effective hurdle clearance
- Curved approach in high jump brings athlete in sideways for proper scissor technique
- Measurement in jumping events taken from furthest point backwards on landing
- Quality technique more important than speed in early learning stages
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they should jump high over hurdles rather than forward - emphasise driving forward
- Belief that same arm should go forward as lead leg - teach opposite arm coordination
- Thinking all students should use same take-off foot - emphasise individual preferences
- Assumption that faster approach always means better performance - focus on controlled technique first
- Misconception that high jump should be approached straight on - teach curved approach benefits
- Belief that knocked hurdles mean failure - explain that learning involves mistakes and helpers reset hurdles
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear and simple instructions, positive reinforcement, leadership roles to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Slower demonstration pace, break down complex movements, use visual and verbal cues together, allow extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routines, quiet zones available, advanced warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured hurdles and markers, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for take-off spots
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for start/stop, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adjustable hurdle heights including floor level, seated hurdle movements, modified jumping activities, alternative roles as equipment managers
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for hurdle spacing, calculating personal improvement in jumping, timing relay races, comparing heights and distances
Science
Understanding forces in jumping, momentum in hurdling, lever principles in hurdle technique, gravity effects in high jump
Geography
Understanding curves and arcs in high jump approach, spatial awareness in team relay, mapping efficient pathways
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation as hurdle helpers, building confidence through challenge, respecting others' achievements and efforts
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all hurdle lanes, move to assist individual groups as needed
Observation Focus
Lead and trail leg coordination, take-off accuracy, helper cooperation, competitive attitude
Intervention Points
When students choose inappropriate hurdle heights, when technique deteriorates, when helpers are not positioned safely
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show lead/trail leg action clearly, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Lead leg straight, trail leg bent!'
- •'Take off from the spot!'
- •'Head and shoulders forward!'
- •'Helpers, stay alert!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m for hurdles and jumping activities with clear run-up and landing zones
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes, debris, or standing water. Check landing areas are soft where possible
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Hurdles properly assembled and stable
- •High jump equipment secure and appropriate height
- •All cones and markers placed safely away from activity zones
- •Regular equipment checks during session
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during relay and hurdling activities
- •Falls during hurdle clearance or landing from jumps
- •Improper technique leading to injury
- •Equipment malfunction or unsafe setup
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between hurdle lanes (minimum 3m)
- •Designated helpers to reset hurdles safely
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Appropriate hurdle heights for each group
- •Adequate landing and approach areas
- •Adult supervision of all high-risk activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all hurdle lanes simultaneously
- •Monitor helper positioning and safety
- •Ensure proper rotation in carousel activities
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely managed during any incident