🏃

Lesson 5 - Standing Long Jump for Distance

Advanced Athletic Power and Precision Development

•

Year 6

•

Athletics

•

Big Question

How can we use biomechanics and technique to maximise our jumping distance?

Learning Objectives

To develop and refine the technique for standing long jump
To understand how arm swing and leg drive affect jumping distance
To evaluate and improve performance through peer assessment

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently execute standing long jump with correct technique
Students will demonstrate understanding of biomechanical principles in jumping
Students will provide constructive feedback to improve peer performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Measuring Tapes

4-6 tapes

One per group for immediate distance measurement

Alternative: Metre rulers or marked ground lines

Cones

For marking jump distances and Greg Rutherford's 8.31m record

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk

Sand Pit

1 large area

Minimum 5m long, clearly marked take-off line

Alternative: Gym mats or grass area

Score Sheets

1 per pair

For tracking distances and peer assessments

Alternative: Clipboards with paper

Bibs

30 (15 pairs)

To distinguish pairs for rotations

Alternative: Different coloured equipment

Key Vocabulary

Standing Long Jump

An athletics event where competitors jump as far as possible from a standing position

Biomechanics

The study of how body movements and forces affect sporting performance

Power Generation

Creating maximum force in the shortest time possible

Trajectory

The path the body follows through the air during jumping

Centre of Gravity

The point where body weight is evenly distributed

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping movements and two-footed landing
Understanding of balance and coordination
Experience with measuring and recording distances

Current Skills

Standing long jump technique with arm coordination
Biomechanical understanding of power generation
Peer assessment and coaching skills

Next Steps

Running long jump techniques
Triple jump introduction
Advanced jumping events preparation

Milestone Indicators

Consistent coordinated arm and leg action

Balanced landings without falling backwards

Measurable distance improvements through technique

Key Teaching Points

Standing long jump requires coordination of four key elements: starting position, arm swing, leg drive, and safe landing
Proper technique significantly increases jumping distance compared to poor technique
Arms swing backwards then forwards and upwards to generate momentum and power
Explosive leg drive from bent knees creates the power needed for maximum distance
Safe two-footed landing with bent knees prevents injury and maintains balance
Peer coaching and encouragement enhance learning and create positive learning environment
Biomechanical principles apply across many athletics events, not just long jump

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Jumping straight up gets you furthest' - Correction: Forward trajectory with optimal angle achieves maximum distance
Misconception: 'Arms don't really help with jumping' - Correction: Demonstrate clear distance difference with and without arm swing
Misconception: 'Landing doesn't matter as long as you jump far' - Correction: Unsafe landing can cause injury and reduces measured distance
Misconception: 'Strong legs are all you need' - Correction: Coordination of all body parts creates optimal performance
Misconception: 'Technique is only important for beginners' - Correction: Elite athletes focus intensively on technique refinement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries for jumping areas, regular positive feedback and refocusing

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination, simplified technique instructions, patient repetition of key points

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones for breaks, consistent routines for each jump attempt

visual impairment

Use audio cues for timing, bright coloured markers for take-off lines, buddy system for guidance and safety

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear technique breakdown, written instruction cards, hand signals for timing

physical disability

Seated jumping variations, modified distances, alternative measuring roles, focus on technique over distance

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances in metres and centimetres, calculating totals for Olympic challenge, comparing distances and improvements

Science

Forces and motion in jumping, gravity effects on trajectory, biomechanics of human movement

Geography

Olympic Games locations, understanding distances in real-world context, mapping athletics venues

PSHE

Perseverance through challenge, supporting others' learning, celebrating diverse achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between jumping areas to observe technique, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for coordinated arm and leg action, safe landing technique, and positive peer interaction

Intervention Points

Step in when technique becomes unsafe, when students need additional encouragement, or when coaching feedback needs guidance

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate technique side-on for clear viewing of body position, exaggerate key points for clarity, show both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Arms back, then swing through powerfully!'
•'Bend those knees like springs!'
•'Two feet, soft landing!'
•'Measure from the line to your closest landing point'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 30m area with additional 5m safety margin around jumping zones

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from holes, obstacles, or debris that could cause injury

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check measuring tapes retract safely and don't have sharp edges
•Ensure cones are soft and won't cause injury if contacted
•Verify landing areas are safe and appropriate for repeated jumping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between jumping students
•Improper landing causing ankle or knee injury
•Measuring tape injuries from rapid retraction
•Overexertion leading to muscle strain

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between jumping pairs with designated areas
•Emphasis on two-footed landing with bent knees throughout
•Proper measuring technique instruction to avoid injuries
•Regular rest periods and monitoring for fatigue signs

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple jumping areas simultaneously
•Monitor landing technique closely during all activities
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion during competitions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, ensure clear access for emergency services if required