Jumping - Lesson Plan

In Year 1 athletics, Lesson Three focuses on the skill of jumping, with objectives aimed at improving basic jumping techniques for horizontal distance and understanding the mechanics involved. The lesson sets out to teach children how to replicate the correct form when jumping from a standing position, how to target their jumps, and how to execute a running jump with controlled landing. An emphasis is placed on the role of the arms during a jump and the difference between standing and running jumps. To facilitate these objectives, resources such as cones, hoops, bibs, and resource cards that illustrate stretches and teamwork exercises are employed.

The lesson begins with a warm-up activity called rabbit hopping, which lasts for 5 minutes and encourages pupils to move around a set area hopping on two feet, then switching to single-leg hopping, and finally team hopping. This activity not only prepares the body for jumping but also introduces the concept of using arm swings to gain height. Following the warm-up, a 10-minute speed bounce competition is conducted, where pupils jump over a cone or marker, focusing on technique such as keeping feet together and bending the knees slightly. The main activity involves paired crossing, lasting for 15 minutes, where pupils work in pairs to navigate a 'swamp' using hoops or mats, learning to control their jumps and use their arms effectively. To conclude the session, a 5-minute cool-down with paired mirror stretches is led by the teacher, reinforcing the importance of stillness and controlled stretching for 10-15 seconds.