🏃

Lesson 4 - High Jump Technique and Take-off

Multi-Discipline Mastery

•

Year 6

•

Athletics

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Safety Mats

Place on landing side of each barrier, ensuring full coverage

Alternative: Foam landing mats or crash mats

Elastic Bands

Set at low height initially, easily knocked off when struck

Alternative: Elastic bands, rope, or ribbon barriers

Ropes

One between each pair for warm-up, extras for choice

Alternative: None needed - essential for warm-up activity

Wire Skittles

Two per group to support canes at appropriate height

Alternative: Sports cones or marker cones

Base Stations

8-10

Mark curved approach path for students needing guidance

Alternative: Marker cones or chalk marks

Whistles

4-6

For extension activities and advanced students

Alternative: Higher cane settings or adjustable barriers

Key Vocabulary

Take-off

The moment when you leave the ground to begin jumping

Scissor kick

A high jump technique where legs swing one after the other over the barrier

Approach run

The curved running path taken before jumping to build up speed

Drive phase

Using arms to push upward forcefully during take-off

Landing position

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

Consistent knee bend and arm drive in take-off

Coordinated leg swing in scissor kick technique

Controlled approach and safe landing every attempt

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