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Lesson 2 - Hurdling & Jumping Skills

Technique & Excellence

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Year 3

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Hurdles (various heights)

12-15

3 rows of 4 hurdles, 12m to first, 7m between hurdles

Alternative: Cones with canes, agility poles on cones

Cones

For marking distances and approach points

Alternative: Spots, markers

Measuring Tapes

For setting accurate hurdle spacing

Alternative: Pre-marked distances on ground

PE Equipment

2-3 sets

Variable height jumping stations

Alternative: Adjustable skittles with canes

Balls

For warm-up catch and tig activity

Alternative: Soft balls, tennis balls

SAQ Ladders

For relay activity footwork

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope ladder

Key Vocabulary

Lead leg

The leg that goes over the hurdle first

Trail leg

The leg that follows over the hurdle

Take-off foot

The preferred foot for jumping activities

Scissor kick

High jump technique where legs move like scissors

Approach arc

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

Consistent take-off foot usage

Smooth hurdle clearance

Controlled landings in all jumps

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