Lesson 3 - Jumping Competitions
Competitive Athletics: Technique, Tactics and Personal Excellence
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use proper jumping technique to compete against Olympic records and improve our athletic performance?
Learning Objectives
- To execute standing long jumps and triple jumps with correct technique in a competitive environment
- To understand how technique affects jumping distance and performance
- To work cooperatively in teams whilst maintaining competitive spirit
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved jumping technique through competition
- Students will understand the relationship between technique and distance
- Students will evaluate their own and peers' performance against athletic records
Equipment & Resources Required
Used for marking distances and creating competition zones
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines
For measuring jump distances in each zone
Alternative: Metre rulers, pre-marked ground lines
For teams to record their scores and distances
Alternative: Clipboards with paper, digital tablets
Olympic record markers: 8.31m (long jump), 18.15m (triple jump)
Alternative: Flags, coloured bibs on cones
To identify team members during rotations
Alternative: Coloured bands, team cards
Key Vocabulary
Jumping as far as possible from a standing position without a run-up
A sequence of hop, skip (step), and jump performed consecutively
The moment when both feet leave the ground to begin the jump
The moment when the jumper contacts the ground after the jump
The time when the jumper is in the air during the jump
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic jumping movements and landing safely
- Understanding of arm swing in jumping
- Experience of working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Applying jumping technique in competitive situations
- Performing hop, skip and jump sequence
- Evaluating performance against Olympic standards
Next Steps
- Running long jump with approach run
- Advanced triple jump with momentum
- Leading athletics warm-ups and coaching others
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Jumping technique trumps distance - emphasise proper form throughout
- Use Olympic records as inspirational benchmarks rather than pressure targets
- Balance competitive spirit with supportive teamwork and good sportsmanship
- Provide specific, technical feedback rather than general praise
- Ensure all students have equal opportunities to jump and contribute to team success
- Link activities to real Olympic achievements to inspire and motivate
- Safety first - monitor landing technique and fatigue levels continuously
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking they need to match Olympic distances individually - explain it's cumulative team distances
- Confusing triple jump sequence - repeatedly demonstrate hop-skip-jump pattern with same starting foot
- Believing bigger jumps are always better - emphasise technique and efficiency over pure power
- Thinking competition means being unsupportive - model and expect positive team dynamics throughout
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear role definitions in teams, physical activity to channel energy positively
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for coordination, simplified movement patterns if needed, focus on personal achievement rather than comparison
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure with visual timetable, quiet zones available if needed, prepare for competitive noise levels, consistent routines
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones and markers, provide clear verbal descriptions of distances and boundaries, buddy system for guidance during activities
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written competition rules on display, ensure visual contact when giving instructions
physical disability
- Modify jumping distances and techniques as appropriate, seated throwing variations if jumping not possible, focus on personal improvement rather than absolute distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances, adding up team scores, calculating averages, working with decimals in metres and centimetres, data collection and analysis
Science
Forces in jumping - gravity, friction, momentum; body systems during exercise; biomechanics of efficient movement
Geography
Olympics host countries, mapping world records from different nations, understanding scale and distance
History
Olympic Games ancient and modern, famous British athletes like Jonathan Edwards and Greg Rutherford
PSHE
Resilience in competition, supporting teammates, dealing with disappointment, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Rotate between the four jumping zones to observe technique and provide feedback, position centrally when giving whole-class instructions
Observation Focus
Watch for correct jumping technique, safe landing practices, positive team interactions, and competitive spirit balanced with sportsmanship
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide technique corrections when students are struggling, mediate any competitive disputes
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, emphasise key body positions, show common errors and corrections, celebrate good examples from students
Verbal Cues
- •'Coiled spring position!'
- •'Arms swing to help you fly!'
- •'Land like a cat - soft and balanced!'
- •'Hop-skip-jump rhythm!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor field, minimum 30m x 20m with extended areas for triple jump landing zones
Surface Check
Dry, level surface free from obstacles, suitable for jumping and landing activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Ensure measuring tapes retract safely and don't create trip hazards
- •Cones placed in visible positions away from landing areas
- •Recording equipment secure and not in activity zones
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students in different jumping zones
- •Poor landing technique leading to injury
- •Overexertion in competitive environment
- •Trips from measuring equipment
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear zone boundaries established and maintained
- •Progressive skill building from warm-up through to competition
- •Emphasis on technique over pure distance
- •Regular technique reminders and demonstrations
- •Fatigue monitoring throughout extended activity periods
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all four competition zones
- •Monitor landing areas for safe technique
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or fatigue
- •Ensure measuring equipment used safely
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact school office if necessary