Lesson 5 - Triple Jump and Relay Techniques
Technical Foundations
•Year 4
•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 jumping techniques and teamwork to excel in athletics events?
Learning Objectives
- Accurately replicate the technique for running, jumping and throwing events
- Run a relay efficiently as part of a team
- Demonstrate safe baton transfer techniques
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved triple jump technique using 'same, different, both' pattern
- Students will execute smooth baton transfers in relay races
- Students will work collaboratively in athletics events
Equipment & Resources Required
Keep spares available for drops
Alternative: Bean bags, cardboard tubes, wooden spoons
Use for marking distances and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, small hoops
For throwing activities
Alternative: Tennis balls, small rubber balls
For target throwing practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Check for wear and appropriate length
Alternative: Individual ropes, elastic bands
For measuring throwing distances
Alternative: Trundle wheel, pre-marked distances
Key Vocabulary
An athletics event involving three connected jumps: hop, step, and jump
The handover of the baton between relay team members
The explosive beginning of a race from a stationary position
The zone where baton transfers must take place in relay races
The specific way of performing a skill or movement
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique
- Simple jumping activities
- Working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Triple jump sequence 'same, different, both'
- Baton transfer technique
- Multi-event athletics participation
Next Steps
- Competitive athletics events
- Advanced jumping techniques
- Leadership roles in team events
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Triple jump sequence must follow 'same foot, different foot, both feet' pattern consistently
- Baton exchanges require clear communication with 'HAND' call and proper receiving position
- Safety in athletics requires controlled movements and awareness of others in shared spaces
- Team success depends on cooperation, encouragement and following agreed strategies
- Progressive skill building from walking pace to running pace ensures safety and success
- Technical skills improve through practice, feedback and watching good demonstrations
- Competitive activities should maintain focus on personal improvement and fair play
Common Misconceptions
- Triple jump is just three random jumps - correct with 'same, different, both' sequence teaching
- Baton must be passed while both people are running fast - build up gradually from walking
- Only the fastest runners make good relay teams - emphasise technique and teamwork
- Athletics is only about winning - focus on personal improvement and skill development
- Jumping further is always better - prioritise safe technique over distance initially
- Throwing harder always goes further - teach proper technique for accuracy first
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries at each station, movement breaks built in, specific individual responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Larger, textured batons for better grip, slower pace instruction, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of station rotations, quiet space available if needed, consistent routines, advance warning of changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for distances
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations for all instructions, hand signals for 'HAND' call, written station instruction cards, clear sight lines to teacher
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, modified jumping from chair or standing, adapted baton holding techniques, alternative roles in team events
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex multi-step instructions, using technical vocabulary, team communication skills
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, counting laps and skips, timing station rotations, calculating team scores
Science
Forces in jumping and throwing, momentum in relay running, gravity effects on projectiles
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, celebrating others' achievements, resilience when skills are challenging
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between stations during multi-event section, central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct triple jump foot sequence, safe baton transfers, positive team interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe baton handling observed, support students struggling with triple jump sequence
Demonstration Notes
Use students who demonstrate good technique as models, exaggerate movements for visibility, provide clear verbal cues with physical demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Same, different, both!' for triple jump rhythm
- •'HAND!' to demonstrate clear baton call
- •'Soft landings!' for safe jumping technique
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m with additional throwing space
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from holes or hazards, suitable for jumping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check batons for cracks or sharp edges
- •Ensure beanbags are securely stitched
- •Verify skipping ropes are appropriate lengths
- •Inspect hoops for damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during relay exchanges
- •Falls during triple jump landings
- •Baton strikes from poor handling
- •Throwing beanbags toward other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear exchange zones marked for relay races
- •Adequate landing space for triple jump practice
- •Safe throwing directions established and monitored
- •Progressive skill building from walking to running speed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all stations during multi-event activities
- •Monitor relay exchanges for safe baton handling
- •Check triple jump areas for safe landings
- •Observe throwing activities for direction and technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately with whistle signal, assess injury, provide first aid support, move other students to safe area