🏃

Lesson 5 - Triple Jump and Relay Techniques

Technical Foundations

•

Year 4

•

Athletics

•

Big Question

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

Batons

1 per 4 students (8 total)

Keep spares available for drops

Alternative: Bean bags, cardboard tubes, wooden spoons

Cones

20-25

Use for marking distances and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, small hoops

Balls

1 per 2 students (15 total)

For throwing activities

Alternative: Tennis balls, small rubber balls

Hoops

For target throwing practice

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Ropes

Check for wear and appropriate length

Alternative: Individual ropes, elastic bands

Measuring Tapes

For measuring throwing distances

Alternative: Trundle wheel, pre-marked distances

Key Vocabulary

Triple jump

An athletics event involving three connected jumps: hop, step, and jump

Baton transfer

The handover of the baton between relay team members

Sprint start

The explosive beginning of a race from a stationary position

Relay exchange

The zone where baton transfers must take place in relay races

Technique

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

Consistent triple jump sequence

Confident baton handling

Effective team communication

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