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Lesson 5 - Vertical Jump Development

Whole-Body Technique

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Year 4

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to jump as high as possible?

Learning Objectives

To develop fluency and technique in the vertical jump
To understand how arm swing and knee bend contribute to jumping height
To apply jumping techniques in different contexts and challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled vertical jumping with proper arm swing
Students will explain the key teaching points for jumping height
Students will compare different jumping techniques and their effectiveness

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

1 set

3 different colours for tagging game, remainder for boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries

Elastic Bands

Lightweight and safe for jumping over activities

Alternative: Rope, ribbon between posts, chalk lines

Shuttles

Wire skittles for cane supports, others for markers

Alternative: Traffic cones, plastic bottles with sand

Mats

As available

Placed for safe landing areas in advanced activities

Alternative: Grass area, sand pit if available

Key Vocabulary

Vertical jump

Jumping straight up for maximum height using both feet

Plyometric

Exercises that use explosive movements to develop muscle power

Take-off

The moment when feet leave the ground to begin a jump

Landing

The moment when feet touch the ground after jumping

Arm swing

The coordinated movement of arms to help generate upward force

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic two-footed jumping and landing
Understanding of body balance and coordination
Experience with partner work and feedback

Current Skills

Vertical jump technique with arm coordination
Plyometric jumping activities
Jumping over obstacles safely

Next Steps

Advanced jumping combinations
High jump technique introduction
Athletic field event preparation

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of arm swing in jumping

Controlled landings with bent knees

Ability to adjust technique for different heights

Key Teaching Points

Arms swing from behind the body up and forward to generate upward momentum
Knees bend to load muscles before explosive straightening on take-off
Eyes look straight ahead throughout jump, not down at ground or landing
Land with control using bent knees and feet shoulder-width apart for balance
Quick ground contact in plyometric exercises develops explosive power
Partner feedback is essential for technique improvement and safety
Personal challenge and safety are more important than comparing with others

Common Misconceptions

Arms don't matter for jumping - demonstrate clear difference with and without arm swing
Higher jumps just need more leg strength - show how technique and coordination are crucial
Landing hard shows a good jump - emphasise soft, controlled landings for safety
Run-up always makes jumps higher - explore how technique matters more than speed
Only tall students can jump high - celebrate technique and personal improvement over comparisons

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, clear movement boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination, simplified technique focus, larger targets and lower heights initially, patient skill building

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent routine and predictable structure

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of heights reached, tactile markers on wall for jumping targets, buddy support for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written technique cards with pictures

physical disability

Adapt to seated jumping if possible, upper body jumping exercises, modified plyometric activities using available movement

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion - how upward force creates jumping height, gravity effects on landing

PSHE

Personal challenge and resilience, supporting others to achieve goals, celebrating individual improvement rather than comparison

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear view of all groups, able to move quickly to any pair/group needing support

Observation Focus

Watch for coordinated arm swing, controlled landings, safe equipment use, and quality partner feedback

Intervention Points

["Step in if jumping technique becomes unsafe", "Support students lacking confidence with height challenges", "Ensure equipment is properly positioned and stable", "Guide reflection discussions to consolidate learning"]

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, demonstrate both correct and incorrect examples, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Arms swing up, legs drive down!'
•'Land softly like a cat!'
•'Look ahead, not down!'
•'Bend to load, explode to go!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor or outdoor area, minimum 15m x 20m with additional wall space

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for jumping activities, no wet or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Canes are lightweight plastic, not rigid wood or metal
•Skittles positioned securely with stable base
•Cones checked for damage or sharp edges
•Mats available for advanced activities if needed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from jumping activities
•Collisions during warm-up games
•Equipment contact injuries
•Overexertion during plyometric activities

Risk Mitigation

•Progressive skill building from basic to advanced
•Clear safety boundaries and landing areas established
•Partner work for observation and safety support
•Height challenges only within comfortable limits
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all jumping activities simultaneously
•Monitor equipment setup for stability
•Watch for students attempting unsafe heights
•Ensure proper technique maintained as activities progress

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed