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Lesson 5 - Scissor Jump & Team Play

Power & Technique Excellence

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Year 6

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we use jumping techniques effectively in athletics while working as a team to achieve fitness goals?

Learning Objectives

To develop the scissor jump technique with correct approach angle and takeoff
To collaborate effectively as a team during athletic challenges
To improve fitness through sustained jumping activities and athletic skills

Key Outcomes

Students will perform the scissor jump with correct technique and understand its application in high jump
Students will demonstrate teamwork and collaboration during athletic challenges
Students will show improved fitness through participation in sustained jumping activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

6-8

Distributed to throwing teams for gauntlet activity

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls

Hoops

Set up in circuits for jumping games

Alternative: Flat markers, rope circles

Cones

30-40

Mark approach angles, boundaries and jumping lines

Alternative: Markers, spots

Low Hurdles

18 (3 per lane)

Set at varying heights from shin to low knee level

Alternative: Cones, rope barriers

Flexibar

2-3

For progressive height challenges - ensure safety mats if available

Alternative: Rope held by students, cone barriers

Safety Mats

4-6

Place at landing areas for higher jumps

Alternative: Ensure soft landing area

Key Vocabulary

Scissor jump

A jumping technique used for height where the lead leg drives up with bent knee and body is side-on to the obstacle

Lead leg

The leg that goes over the obstacle first in the scissor jump

Approach angle

The 30-degree angle at which athletes approach the jump

Takeoff foot

The foot that leaves the ground last when jumping

Gauntlet

A challenging course or activity that tests skill and endurance

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic jumping movements - two feet to two feet
Understanding of teamwork and fair play
Experience with athletic activities and following rules

Current Skills

Scissor jump technique development
Team collaboration in athletic challenges
Sustained activity participation for fitness

Next Steps

Advanced high jump techniques
Competitive athletics events
Leadership roles in athletic activities

Milestone Indicators

Consistent scissor jump with correct takeoff foot

Effective team communication during challenges

Maintained effort throughout lesson duration

Key Teaching Points

Scissor jump requires 30-degree approach angle and sideways body position
Lead leg drives up with bent knee action for maximum height
Takeoff foot is opposite to lead leg - students must identify their natural preference
Progressive height increase ensures safety and confidence building
Teamwork and resilience are developed through sustained challenging activities
Technique should never be sacrificed for height or speed
Individual differences in lead leg preference should be celebrated and supported

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they can jump straight at the obstacle like a hurdle
Believing that one lead leg is better than another - emphasise individual preference
Thinking height is more important than technique - always prioritise safety
Assuming scissor jump is just for high jump - explain broader athletic applications
Students wanting to compete rather than focus on personal improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination, simplified movement patterns, additional demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routines, visual timetable of activities, quiet spaces available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, visual signals for activity changes

physical disability

Seated throwing versions, modified jumping activities, alternative roles in team challenges

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring and judging 30-degree approach angles, counting in jumping sequences, comparing heights and distances

Science

Understanding forces in jumping - gravity, momentum, energy transfer, body mechanics and centre of gravity

Geography

Directional awareness in approach angles, spatial orientation, mapping movement patterns around activity areas

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration skills, supporting others, building resilience through challenging activities, positive communication

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to provide individual feedback, position for clear sight lines during gauntlet

Observation Focus

Watch for correct scissor jump technique development, monitor teamwork during challenges, assess individual confidence

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempt unsafe jumping heights, correct technique errors immediately, support struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate scissor jump technique clearly and repeatedly, show approach angles with cone markers, emphasise safety throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Drive that lead leg up!'
•'Body sideways to the obstacle!'
•'Soft landings!'
•'Great teamwork!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor hard court area minimum 20m x 30m

Surface Check

Ensure surface is dry, level, and free from obstacles, particularly for jumping activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hurdles are stable and appropriate height
•Ensure soft balls only for throwing activities
•Verify flexibar security if used for extensions
•Check safety mats are adequate for landing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during gauntlet activity
•Falls from jumping activities
•Overexertion during sustained activities
•Equipment-related injuries from hurdles or obstacles

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safety zones established
•Progressive height increase for jumping obstacles
•Soft balls only for throwing with height restrictions
•Adequate spacing between jumping stations
•Safety mats for any elevated jumping activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during gauntlet activity
•Close supervision during scissor jump technique development
•Monitor extension activities with higher obstacles carefully
•Check individual student fatigue levels throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required