Lesson 5 - Standing Long Jump for Distance
Advanced Athletic Power and Precision Development
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
One per group for immediate distance measurement
Alternative: Metre rulers or marked ground lines
For marking jump distances and Greg Rutherford's 8.31m record
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk
Minimum 5m long, clearly marked take-off line
Alternative: Gym mats or grass area
For tracking distances and peer assessments
Alternative: Clipboards with paper
To distinguish pairs for rotations
Alternative: Different coloured equipment
Key Vocabulary
An athletics event where competitors jump as far as possible from a standing position
The study of how body movements and forces affect sporting performance
Creating maximum force in the shortest time possible
The path the body follows through the air during jumping
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
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