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Lesson 3 - Jumping Technique and Consistency

Technical Foundations

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Year 4

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed to pairs for warm-up activity

Alternative: Small balls, foam blocks

Cones

45 (3 per pair)

Arranged in lines with increasing spacing

Alternative: Hoops, chalk marks

PE Equipment

2-3 sets (posts, bar/cane)

Set at varying heights from 30cm to 60cm

Alternative: Skittles with canes, elastic bands between cones

Measuring Tapes

4-6

For measuring long jump distances

Alternative: Chalk for marking distances

Landing Mats

4-6

Positioned for safe landings in high jump

Alternative: Soft grass area, sand pit if available

Key Vocabulary

Take-off foot

The preferred foot used to launch into a jump

Scissor kick

High jump technique where legs move like scissors over the bar

Landing point

In long jump, the closest mark to the take-off line made by any part of the body

Curved approach

Running in an arc to approach the high jump bar from the side

Triple jump sequence

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

Consistently uses same take-off foot across all jumps

Demonstrates clear scissor action over high jump bar

Shows understanding of measurement points in competition

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