Lesson 3 - Jumping Technique and Consistency
Technical Foundations
•Year 4
•Athletics
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How can I improve my jumping technique to achieve greater distance, height and consistency?
Learning Objectives
- Develop technique and consistency in jumping skills including long jump, high jump and triple jump
- Understand the measurement points and rules in competitive jumping events
- Apply scissor kick technique in high jump with proper approach angle
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved consistency in their jumping technique
- Students will show understanding of competition rules and measurement points
- Students will successfully execute scissor kick technique with curved approach
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to pairs for warm-up activity
Alternative: Small balls, foam blocks
Arranged in lines with increasing spacing
Alternative: Hoops, chalk marks
Set at varying heights from 30cm to 60cm
Alternative: Skittles with canes, elastic bands between cones
For measuring long jump distances
Alternative: Chalk for marking distances
Positioned for safe landings in high jump
Alternative: Soft grass area, sand pit if available
Key Vocabulary
The preferred foot used to launch into a jump
High jump technique where legs move like scissors over the bar
In long jump, the closest mark to the take-off line made by any part of the body
Running in an arc to approach the high jump bar from the side
Hop (same foot), step (different foot), jump (both feet)
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic jumping and landing skills from Key Stage 1
- Understanding of running and balance from previous athletics units
- Experience with following rules and taking turns in physical activities
Current Skills
- Consistent take-off foot identification and use
- Scissor kick technique for high jump
- Understanding of competition measurement rules
- Curved approach technique for high jump
Next Steps
- Advanced triple jump technique (hop, step, jump)
- Introduction to Fosbury Flop high jump technique
- Competition preparation and strategy development
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Consistent use of preferred take-off foot across all jumping activities
- Forward arm drive and head up position prevents backward falls in long jump
- Curved approach enables sideways body position essential for scissor kick technique
- Landing point measurement in competition is from nearest mark to take-off line
- Scissor kick sequence: lead leg over first, trail leg follows in cutting motion
- Personal improvement and challenge more important than comparison with others
- Safety through bent-knee landings and controlled approach speeds
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking straight-on approach is better for high jump - explain sideways approach benefits
- Believing both feet must take off together in all jumps - clarify single foot take-off in high jump
- Thinking falling forward means a longer jump - explain measurement is from nearest landing point
- Assuming faster approach always means better jump - emphasise control and technique over speed
- Believing everyone should use same take-off foot - explain individual preferences and consistency
- Thinking competition is only about winning - emphasise personal improvement and enjoyment
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback system
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, extra practice time, larger target areas
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules, consistent routines, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured cones, verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapt to seated jumping activities, modify equipment height, focus on arm drive techniques
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring jump distances, counting letters in names, angles of approach for high jump
Science
Forces and motion in jumping, gravity and trajectory, body systems during exercise
Geography
Mapping approach paths, directions and angles, spatial awareness in activities
PSHE
Personal goal setting, resilience when facing challenges, supporting and encouraging others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear sight lines to all activity areas, rotate between stations during group work
Observation Focus
Take-off foot consistency, scissor kick technique development, safe landing practices
Intervention Points
Step in when technique compromises safety, provide individual coaching during practice phases
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all techniques slowly first, use competent children for peer demonstration, film key techniques for later analysis
Verbal Cues
- •'Drive those arms forward!'
- •'Land like a gymnast - soft knees!'
- •'Approach sideways for scissor kick!'
- •'Same foot every time!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m with soft landing areas for high jump
Surface Check
Firm, even surface for approaches, soft grass or matting for landings
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •High jump bars easily displaced if knocked
- •Landing mats properly positioned and secure
- •Cones stable and not creating trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Hard landings from jumps
- •Collisions during approach runs
- •Equipment displacement during activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasis on bent-knee landings throughout
- •Clear approach areas with adequate spacing
- •Proper equipment setup and regular safety checks
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple jump areas
- •Monitor approach speeds and technique
- •Ensure safe equipment handling and storage
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess need for first aid, have alternative low-impact activities ready