Lesson 4 - High Jump Technique and Take-off
Multi-Discipline Mastery
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our body mechanics to jump higher and safer than ever before?
Learning Objectives
- To develop correct take-off position and technique when jumping for height
- To demonstrate control and balance during all phases of the high jump
- To apply scissor kick technique with confidence and safety
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute a controlled vertical jump with proper arm drive and knee bend
- Students will perform scissor kick technique from their preferred side with coordination
- Students will demonstrate safe landing techniques with balance and control
Equipment & Resources Required
Place on landing side of each barrier, ensuring full coverage
Alternative: Foam landing mats or crash mats
Set at low height initially, easily knocked off when struck
Alternative: Elastic bands, rope, or ribbon barriers
One between each pair for warm-up, extras for choice
Alternative: None needed - essential for warm-up activity
Two per group to support canes at appropriate height
Alternative: Sports cones or marker cones
Mark curved approach path for students needing guidance
Alternative: Marker cones or chalk marks
For extension activities and advanced students
Alternative: Higher cane settings or adjustable barriers
Key Vocabulary
The moment when you leave the ground to begin jumping
A high jump technique where legs swing one after the other over the barrier
The curved running path taken before jumping to build up speed
Using arms to push upward forcefully during take-off
Feet shoulder-width apart with knees bent for safe landing
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic jumping and landing with two feet
- Understanding of fair play and turn-taking
- Experience with simple running and coordination activities
Current Skills
- Vertical jumping with arm drive and knee bend
- Scissor kick technique for high jump
- Curved approach run with speed control
- Safe landing and balance techniques
Next Steps
- Advanced high jump techniques including fosbury flop introduction
- Competitive high jump events with measurement
- Combined athletics events incorporating jumping skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Side-on approach is essential for scissor kick technique
- Arms drive upward, not forward, for maximum height gain
- Legs swing alternately from hips, creating scissor action
- Curved approach run helps generate upward momentum
- Safety rules must be consistently enforced - one person jumping at a time
- Positive peer feedback builds confidence and observation skills
- Landing technique with bent knees prevents injury and shows control
Common Misconceptions
- Students think forward jumping is more effective than sideways approach
- Belief that both legs should move together rather than alternately
- Assumption that running faster always means jumping higher
- Misunderstanding that barriers should be solid and resist being knocked down
- Thinking that arm movement is less important than leg action in jumping
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear physical boundaries at stations, regular positive feedback, movement-based learning throughout
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique focus on one element at a time, larger barriers easier to see, extra practice time, physical guidance if needed
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet observation area available, consistent safety rules and procedures
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured canes and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of barrier setup, buddy system for guidance through stations
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards at stations, use of visual signals for turns and safety
physical disability
- Seated throwing over barriers, modified jumping using upper body movements, adjusted barrier heights for wheelchair access
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting skips during warm-up, measuring jump heights, calculating approach run distances, comparing numerical results
Science
Forces in jumping - gravity, acceleration, momentum transfer, biomechanics of human movement, physics of projectile motion
Geography
Spatial awareness and orientation, mapping curved approach runs, understanding angles and directions
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, giving constructive feedback, building confidence, respecting others' abilities and efforts
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between stations during activities, central position for demonstrations and discussions
Observation Focus
Watch for side-on approach, alternating leg action in scissor kick, safe landing technique, and positive peer interactions
Intervention Points
Step in when students attempt unsafe heights, provide technique correction for repeated errors, manage group dynamics if needed
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion for complex techniques, show common errors and corrections, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Side-on approach!'
- •'Arms up, legs like scissors!'
- •'Soft landing, bend those knees!'
- •'One at a time for safety!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for seven jumping stations with adequate run-up areas
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface suitable for running and jumping activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all mats are in good condition with no tears or worn areas
- •Ensure plastic canes are not cracked or sharp
- •Wire skittles stable and appropriate height for cane support
- •No damaged skipping ropes with broken handles or frayed sections
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students at jumping stations
- •Falls during high jump attempts
- •Equipment failure causing injury
- •Overexertion during repeated jumping
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict one-at-a-time jumping rule enforced
- •Mats positioned to cover all potential landing areas
- •Barriers set to fall easily when struck rather than resist
- •Clear spacing between stations and defined waiting areas
- •Progressive skill building from low height to higher challenges
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all seven stations
- •Monitor approach runs and landing areas continuously
- •Check equipment remains safely positioned throughout lesson
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion in students
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, clear area if necessary