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Lesson 3 - Jumping Competitions

Competitive Athletics: From Personal Excellence to Sports Leadership

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Year 6

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Athletics

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55 min

Big Question

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

Measuring Tapes

One per jumping zone for accurate measurement

Alternative: Metre rulers, trundle wheels

Cones

Mark jumping zones, record distances, and Olympic records

Alternative: Bean bags, markers

Clipboards

One per team for recording scores and distances

Alternative: Score sheets on ground

Whistles

For competition timing and rotation signals

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Sand Pit

4 areas

Safe landing areas for each jumping zone

Alternative: Marked grass areas

Key Vocabulary

Standing Long Jump

A jump for distance from a stationary position using both feet for take-off

Triple Jump

A sequence of hop, skip, and jump performed continuously for maximum distance

Take-off

The moment when feet leave the ground to begin the jump

Landing

The controlled arrival back to the ground after jumping

Technique

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

Smooth transition between hop, skip, and jump

Consistent landing technique preventing backward falls

Improvement in distance through technique refinement

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