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Lesson 1 - Bunny Hop Sequences

Core Strength & Sequences

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Year 4

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Gymnastics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our body weight to create graceful, controlled movements that flow from balance to travel?

Learning Objectives

Link balance and travel actions with given movements to perform a weighted bunny hop showing control and balance
Introduce and master the weighted bunny hop technique with proper form and safety
Show control and tension when combining travelling steps with balance positions

Key Outcomes

Students will perform a weighted bunny hop with hips lifting over shoulders
Students will create sequences linking three different travels with three different balances
Students will demonstrate smooth transitions between movements with changes of speed

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

1 per 2 students (15 mats)

Spread evenly around activity area with safe spacing

Alternative: Carpet tiles or soft surface markers

Hoops

1 per student (30 hoops)

Initially placed randomly around space for warm-up activity

Alternative: Spot markers, cones, or rope circles

Apparatus

4-6 pieces

Set up around perimeter for extension activities

Alternative: Benches, low boxes, or balance beams

Key Vocabulary

Weighted bunny hop

A gymnastic movement where you take your full body weight on your hands while jumping feet off the floor, aiming to lift hips over shoulders

Sequence

A series of connected movements performed one after another with smooth transitions

Balance

Holding your body steady and controlled in a specific position

Tension

Keeping your muscles tight and body controlled during movements

Hip elevation

Lifting your hips higher than your shoulders during the weighted bunny hop

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic bunny hop movements from previous lessons
Simple balance positions (2-point, 3-point, 4-point)
Basic travelling actions (rolling, sliding, stepping)

Current Skills

Weighted bunny hop with hip elevation
Linking travelling and balancing actions
Sequence creation with speed variation

Next Steps

Advanced weight transfer movements
Partner sequences and mirroring
Apparatus-based gymnastic sequences

Milestone Indicators

Demonstrates consistent hip lift in weighted bunny hop

Creates sequences with smooth transitions

Shows understanding of tension and control in movements

Key Teaching Points

Hand placement is crucial - shoulder-width apart, fingers spread, never move hands during bunny hop
Weighted bunny hop requires hips to lift higher than shoulders for correct technique
Sequences should flow smoothly with clear transitions between movements
Safety comes first - proper progression through skill development stages
Positive peer feedback focuses on specific technique points and encouragement
Practice and repetition lead to improvement - celebrate progress over perfection
Core strength and control are developed through proper technique practice

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the bunny hop is just about jumping - it's about controlled weight transfer
Believing you must achieve perfect technique immediately - skill development takes time
Assuming all students will achieve the same level - differentiation allows for individual progress
Focusing only on height in bunny hop - control and technique are more important
Rushing through sequences - quality and smooth transitions matter more than speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer fidget tools during reflection time

dyspraxia

Use step-by-step visual guides, allow extra practice time, provide physical support for complex movements

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedules, allow practice time before performances, offer quiet spaces if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for hand placement, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines

physical disability

Adapt to seated or supported positions, use alternative equipment, modify sequence requirements as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting sequences of movements, measuring duration of balance holds, angles of body positions in gymnastics

Science

Forces and motion in weight transfer, muscle tension and relaxation, balance and centre of gravity

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction, mapping movement pathways around space

PSHE

Building confidence through achievement, supporting others' learning, perseverance when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, position near mats during skill practice for safety

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand placement, hip elevation in weighted bunny hop, smooth sequence transitions

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempt skills beyond ability, if hand placement is incorrect, or if peer feedback becomes unhelpful

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for weighted bunny hop, show from multiple angles, emphasise key body positions

Verbal Cues

•'Strong hands, tucked legs!'
•'Hips up high!'
•'Smooth transitions between movements!'
•'Control the landing!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 15m x 12m with clear ceiling height of 3m, suitable for gymnastic mats

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip floor surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check gymnastic mats are flat and properly positioned
•Ensure hoops have no cracks or sharp edges
•Verify adequate spacing between all equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during weighted bunny hop attempts
•Wrist strain from poor hand placement
•Collisions during warm-up activities
•Overexertion during skill practice

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise never moving hands during bunny hop
•Teach proper progressions before weighted attempts
•Ensure adequate rest between attempts
•Maintain clear sight lines and spacing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe bunny hop hand placement
•Monitor fatigue levels during practice
•Watch for unsafe sequence elements
•Ensure positive peer interactions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury suspected, apply appropriate first aid, have alternative activities ready for those unable to participate