Lesson 3 - Jumping Competitions
Competitive Athletics: From Personal Excellence to Sports Leadership
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use perfect jumping technique to achieve our personal best in competition?
Learning Objectives
- To apply correct jumping technique in competitive situations
- To understand how technique affects performance in athletics
- To develop evaluation skills by assessing peer performance
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute standing long jump and triple jump with correct technique
- Students will compete fairly while striving for personal improvement
- Students will provide constructive feedback to improve peer performance
Equipment & Resources Required
One per jumping zone for accurate measurement
Alternative: Metre rulers, trundle wheels
Mark jumping zones, record distances, and Olympic records
Alternative: Bean bags, markers
One per team for recording scores and distances
Alternative: Score sheets on ground
For competition timing and rotation signals
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Safe landing areas for each jumping zone
Alternative: Marked grass areas
Key Vocabulary
A jump for distance from a stationary position using both feet for take-off
A sequence of hop, skip, and jump performed continuously for maximum distance
The moment when feet leave the ground to begin the jump
The controlled arrival back to the ground after jumping
The specific method and form used to perform a skill correctly
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic jumping with two-foot take-off and landing
- Understanding of arm swing for momentum
- Simple hop and skip movements
Current Skills
- Coordinated triple jump sequence
- Competition performance under pressure
- Peer evaluation and coaching
Next Steps
- Running long jump with approach
- Advanced triple jump with run-up
- Multi-event athletics competitions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Perfect technique leads to better performance than raw power alone
- Landing safely with bent knees prevents injury and maintains balance
- Competition should inspire personal best efforts, not just winning
- Olympic records provide meaningful context and motivation for improvement
- Supporting teammates creates a positive learning environment for everyone
- Mathematical thinking enhances understanding of athletic performance
- Progressive skill development builds confidence and competence together
Common Misconceptions
- Jumping harder always means jumping further - technique is more important than pure effort
- Only the strongest students can succeed in athletics - technique and practice matter more
- Competition means being aggressive or unsporting - true champions support everyone
- Olympic records are impossible to relate to - breaking them down makes them meaningful
- Winning is the only measure of success - personal improvement and effort are equally valuable
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular activity changes, clear targets, immediate feedback and celebration of achievements
dyspraxia
- Simplified sequence practice, larger target areas, extra practice time for coordination development
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available, predictable rotation pattern
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured markers for jump zones, verbal descriptions of distances, buddy system for measuring
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written score sheets
physical disability
- Modified jumping from seated or supported position, shorter distances, alternative scoring system
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances, calculating ratios, division to compare with Olympic records, data recording and analysis
Science
Forces in jumping, momentum and energy transfer, muscle groups and body systems during exercise
Geography
Olympic venues and countries, mapping athletics facilities, understanding scale and distance
PSHE
Resilience when facing challenges, teamwork and cooperation, celebrating personal achievements and supporting others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between jumping zones to observe technique and provide feedback
Observation Focus
Watch landing technique, foot sequences, and competitive behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in for unsafe landings, incorrect technique, or poor sportsmanship
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, demonstrate both correct and incorrect methods for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Drive those arms forward!'
- •'Bend your knees on landing!'
- •'Smooth and rhythmic!'
- •'Land together, stay balanced!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m, with 4 distinct jumping zones
Surface Check
Dry, even grass or athletics track, no holes or uneven surfaces
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check measuring tapes are not damaged or sharp
- •Ensure cones are stable and visible
- •Confirm landing areas are appropriate and safe
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Awkward landings causing ankle or knee injury
- •Collisions between jumping students
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
- •Falls due to poor landing technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear jumping zones with adequate spacing
- •Emphasis on controlled landings throughout
- •Progressive skill building before competition
- •Supervised partner system for all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all jumping zones
- •Monitor landing technique constantly
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical attention