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Lesson 2 - Triple Jump Technique and Distance

Power & Technique Excellence

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Year 6

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we use the three phases of triple jump to achieve maximum distance and demonstrate athletic excellence?

Learning Objectives

Develop understanding and execution of the three phases of triple jump (hop, step, jump)
Apply correct technique to achieve greater distance in triple jump
Demonstrate determination and resilience during challenging athletic activities

Key Outcomes

Students will correctly identify and name the three phases of triple jump
Students will perform a standing triple jump with improved technique
Students will show perseverance when facing physical challenges

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-30

4 cones per student for dominant foot testing, additional cones for distance marking

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk marks

Hoops

10-15

For jumping races and target practice

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, marked zones

Balls

For relay race activities and target practice

Alternative: Small balls, blocks, markers

Measuring Tapes

3-4

For measuring distances achieved in triple jump

Alternative: Metre sticks, marked ground lines

Bibs

To mark dominant foot for each student

Alternative: Coloured wristbands, stickers

Tunnel Systems

For line dancing warm-up routine

Alternative: Percussion instruments, clapping rhythm

Key Vocabulary

Phase

A distinct stage or step in the triple jump sequence

Hop

First phase - taking off and landing on the same foot

Step

Second phase - landing on the opposite foot to the hop

Jump

Final phase - taking off from one foot and landing on both feet

Dominant foot

The foot you naturally prefer to start jumping with

Drive knee

Lifting the non-jumping leg high to add power

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping and hopping skills from earlier year groups
Understanding of dominant foot preference
Experience with measuring distances in athletics

Current Skills

Triple jump phase identification and execution
Coordinated hop-step-jump sequence
Technical understanding of drive, landing and transition

Next Steps

Long jump technique refinement
Advanced running drills for athletics
Competition preparation and rules understanding

Milestone Indicators

Consistent phase sequence without loss of balance

Visible distance improvement through technique

Ability to self-correct using teaching points

Key Teaching Points

Hop phase: Same foot takeoff and landing with drive knee up
Step phase: Transition to opposite foot with bounding action
Jump phase: Single foot takeoff, both feet landing
Maintain forward momentum throughout all three phases
Use arms to drive power and maintain balance
Focus on rhythm and flow rather than individual phases
Land softly with bent knees to absorb impact

Common Misconceptions

Thinking triple jump is just three separate jumps - emphasise flow and connection
Believing bigger is always better - focus on technique over distance
Assuming dominant foot is always strongest - test both feet properly
Thinking speed equals success - emphasise controlled approach and technique
Believing all students should achieve same distances - celebrate individual progress

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use active supervision and frequent feedback

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns initially, provide additional practice time, break down phases into smaller steps, use repetition and consistency

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent language and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure clear line of sight for communication

physical disability

Adapt distances and heights as appropriate, modify jumping to stepping or reaching movements, focus on participation over performance

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, following multi-step instructions, descriptive language for movement

Maths

Measuring distances in metres and centimetres, comparing and ordering distances, calculating improvements between attempts

Science

Forces and motion in jumping, gravity and trajectory, energy transfer from muscles to movement

PSHE

Perseverance and resilience, setting personal goals, celebrating achievement and effort

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at centre of area to observe all jumping practice, move between stations during relay activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct foot patterns, controlled landings, progression in technique, signs of fatigue

Intervention Points

Step in if students showing poor technique that could lead to injury, support struggling students with individual help

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show phases clearly, demonstrate common mistakes as well as correct technique, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Push and drive!' for hop phase
•'Big stride!' for step phase
•'Stick the landing!' for jump phase
•'Soft landings!' for general safety

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m clear area with additional run-up space, multiple jumping zones required

Surface Check

Dry, level surface essential for jumping activities, free from holes or uneven areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Ensure hoops are not slippery and lie flat
•Verify measuring tapes retract safely
•Bean bags properly filled and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during jumping phases
•Collisions between students in relay activities
•Overexertion during repeated jumping
•Injuries from improper landing technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between all jumping areas
•Progressive skill building from standing to run-up
•Emphasis on technique over distance/speed
•Proper warm-up and cool-down protocols
•Adult supervision at all activity stations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple jumping areas simultaneously
•Circulate actively during station-based activities
•Focus on landing areas during triple jump practice
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain in safe area