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Lesson 3 - Jumping Competitions

Athletic Fundamentals

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Year 4

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Athletics

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57 min

Big Question

How can mastering different jumping techniques help us excel in athletic competitions and understand the importance of perseverance in sport?

Learning Objectives

Students will develop and apply correct jumping techniques in competitive situations
Students will understand the relationship between technique and performance in athletics
Students will demonstrate resilience and self-motivation when facing challenging tasks

Key Outcomes

Students will execute standing long jump and triple jump with improved technique
Students will compete fairly whilst encouraging teammates and evaluating performance
Students will understand how proper technique leads to better jumping distances

Equipment & Resources Required

Measuring Tapes

4 (one per jumping zone)

Position at each jumping zone for accurate distance measurement

Alternative: Metre rulers, marked ground areas

Cones

4 sets

Use different colours for zone boundaries and distance markers

Alternative: Bean bags, markers

Score Sheets

8 (one per team)

Include team names and scoring system clearly displayed

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, digital tablets

Key Vocabulary

Standing Long Jump

Jumping for distance from a stationary position without a run-up

Triple Jump

A sequence of three jumps: hop (same foot), skip (opposite foot), jump (both feet)

Take-off

The moment when both feet leave the ground to begin the jump

Landing

The controlled arrival back on the ground after jumping

Competition Format

The rules and scoring system used to determine winners in athletics

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of take-off and landing positions
Experience with simple jumping activities
Knowledge of fair play and competition rules

Current Skills

Applying jumping technique in competitive situations
Understanding the hop, skip, jump sequence for triple jump
Developing resilience and self-motivation in challenging tasks

Next Steps

Running long jump and triple jump techniques
Advanced athletic competition formats
Leadership and coaching roles in athletics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent technique application under pressure

Ability to self-correct and improve performance

Positive attitude when facing difficult challenges

Key Teaching Points

Technique over distance - proper form leads to better results and safety
Resilience and self-motivation when facing challenging Olympic standards
Team support and positive competition atmosphere throughout
Connection between explosive power and successful jumping performance
Fair play and honest measurement as core values in athletics
Personal improvement and effort recognition alongside competitive results
Understanding that Olympic athletes developed skills through years of practice

Common Misconceptions

Jumping as high as possible instead of forward for distance - correct with 'jump forward not up'
Stiff landings causing injury risk - emphasise 'land like a cat with bent knees'
Triple jump being three identical jumps - clarify the hop-skip-jump sequence clearly
Measurement from take-off point instead of landing point - explain athletics rules
Only the winning team succeeded - celebrate all achievements and improvements
Olympic records are impossible to approach - explain training and technique development

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries, frequent feedback, movement breaks built in, leadership roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Simplified sequences, extra practice time, visual cues for technique, larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedules showing activity sequence, quiet zones available, consistent teams and positions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones, verbal descriptions of distances and boundaries, tactile markers for take-off lines, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards, visual scoring charts

physical disability

Modified jumping activities (seated throws, wheelchair racing), adapted distances, alternative scoring systems focusing on effort

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances, adding totals, calculating points, comparing Olympic records with personal achievements

Science

Forces in jumping - gravity, push/pull, momentum and energy transfer during explosive movements

Geography

Olympic locations, countries of famous athletes, mapping distances around school grounds

History

Olympics through time, famous British athletes, evolution of athletics techniques and records

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all jumping zones, move between zones to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Technique application, safe landings, team cooperation, and individual effort levels

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe technique, lack of team cooperation, or if students becoming overly competitive

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion demonstrations for complex sequences, exaggerate movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Crouch, explode, land!'
•'Hop, skip, jump - remember the rhythm!'
•'Champions support each other!'
•'Technique first, distance second!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m with clear sight lines

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, holes, or hazards that could cause injury

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check measuring tapes retract properly and have no sharp edges
•Ensure cones are soft and flexible to prevent injury
•Verify all recording materials are appropriate and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Landing injuries from incorrect technique or surface issues
•Collisions between students in different jumping zones
•Overexertion during competitive activities
•Trips and falls due to equipment placement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between jumping zones established
•Progressive skill building from warm-up to competition
•Constant supervision and technique correction
•Regular checks on student fatigue levels
•Safe landing technique emphasised throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all four jumping zones simultaneously
•Monitor for correct landing technique and safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and positive competition atmosphere

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess with first aid training, call for appropriate medical assistance if required