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Lesson 3 - Jumping Competitions

Competitive Athletics: Technique, Tactics and Personal Excellence

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Year 5

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Athletics

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1h 5min

Big Question

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

Cones

20-30

Used for marking distances and creating competition zones

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines

Measuring Tapes

For measuring jump distances in each zone

Alternative: Metre rulers, pre-marked ground lines

Score Sheets

8 (one per team)

For teams to record their scores and distances

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, digital tablets

Dish Cones

8 (different colours)

Olympic record markers: 8.31m (long jump), 18.15m (triple jump)

Alternative: Flags, coloured bibs on cones

Team bibs

32 (4 colours x 8)

To identify team members during rotations

Alternative: Coloured bands, team cards

Key Vocabulary

Standing Long Jump

Jumping as far as possible from a standing position without a run-up

Triple Jump

A sequence of hop, skip (step), and jump performed consecutively

Take-off

The moment when both feet leave the ground to begin the jump

Landing

The moment when the jumper contacts the ground after the jump

Flight Phase

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

Consistent landing on two feet with balance

Smooth linking of hop, skip, jump sequence

Ability to self-correct technique during competition

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