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Lesson 3 - Leapfrog and Partner Travel

Partner Gymnastics: Under, Over and Through Sequences

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Year 5

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Gymnastics

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Big Question

How can we create safe opportunities for others to travel over and under us while mastering advanced gymnastics skills?

Learning Objectives

Develop safe leapfrogging technique with control and precision
Create opportunities for partners to travel over and under using strong support positions
Apply travelling skills in creative sequences on apparatus

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate safe leapfrogging with proper take-off and landing
Students will maintain stable support positions while others travel over/under them
Students will create fluid sequences combining different travelling methods

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

Various (benches, boxes, tables)

Distributed around apparatus areas for safe landing zones

Alternative: Crash mats, exercise mats

Stopwatch

For timing apparatus setup challenges

Alternative: Mobile phone timer, wall clock

Dish Cones

Mark apparatus group areas and boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, spots

Key Vocabulary

Leapfrog

Jumping over someone who is crouched down, using hands for support

Support position

A stable body position (front or back support) that allows others to travel over or under

Two-footed take-off

Jumping from both feet simultaneously for maximum power and control

Elevation

The height achieved when jumping, using arms and legs to gain lift

Base of support

The wide, stable foundation created by hands and feet when being leapfrogged

Sequence

A series of movements linked together smoothly with clear start and finish

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping and landing skills
Simple rolling techniques
Partner work and cooperation
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Safe leapfrogging technique
Creating stable support positions
Partner sequence creation
Advanced apparatus work

Next Steps

Travelling onto, along and over benches
More complex apparatus sequences
Group gymnastics displays
Advanced rolling combinations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent safe leapfrog technique

Ability to maintain support positions

Smooth sequence transitions

Confident apparatus work

Key Teaching Points

Always approach leapfrog from directly behind, never from the side
Two-footed take-off gives maximum power and control for safe leapfrog
Hands flat on partner's back, push down and forward for lift-off
Create wide, stable base when being leapfrogged - hands behind calves, chin tucked
Build momentum through rocking to spring to feet without using hands
Apparatus work requires cooperation, communication, and responsibility
Sequences should have clear starts, smooth transitions, and defined endings

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can leapfrog from the side - this is unsafe and should only be from behind
Believing single-foot take-off is better - two-footed gives more power and control
Placing hands in front of knees when being leapfrogged - hands go behind calves for safety
Thinking apparatus work is just about physical skills - it's equally about teamwork and responsibility
Assuming bigger/stronger students always make better partners - matching abilities often works better
Believing you need to use hands to get up from rocking - momentum and technique are key

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries marked, regular check-ins, responsibility roles during apparatus work, immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, clear verbal instructions, visual cues for positioning, peer support partnerships

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual sequence cards, quiet spaces available, predictable apparatus rotation, advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Use bright contrasting mats, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for apparatus work, tactile markers for positions

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, sign language support, visual start/stop signals

physical disability

Modified leapfrog over lower objects, wheelchair accessible apparatus arrangements, seated support positions, alternative travelling methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, vocabulary development, expressing ideas about movement, peer feedback

Maths

Measuring jump distances, counting sequences, timing apparatus setup challenges, angles of approach

Science

Forces in jumping and landing, momentum in rocking movements, friction and grip, body mechanics

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, trust building, personal challenge and resilience, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can see all pairs during leapfrog practice, move between apparatus stations during group work

Observation Focus

Watch for safe approach angles, two-footed take-offs, hand placement, landing control, apparatus stability

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe approaches, poor apparatus handling, or if students struggle with basic technique

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use confident student for leapfrog demo, exaggerate safety points, show transitions slowly first

Verbal Cues

•'Approach from behind only!'
•'Two feet together for take-off!'
•'Hands flat on back, push and spring!'
•'Soft landing like a cat!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m hall with 3m clearance from walls for leapfrog activities

Surface Check

Non-slip hall floor, check for wet areas, ensure mats are flat and secure

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check apparatus stability before use
•Ensure mats are positioned for landing areas
•Verify apparatus is age-appropriate height
•Check equipment for damage before setup

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision during leapfrog approach
•Falls from apparatus
•Injury from poor landing technique
•Equipment falling during setup/pack away

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce behind-only approach for leapfrog
•Clear spacing requirements around apparatus
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Supervised apparatus handling with two-person carries

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all leapfrog activities
•Monitor apparatus areas constantly
•Check approach angles and spacing
•Observe equipment handling procedures

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure clear access for emergency services if needed