Jumping and Landing Skills

Overview

This 45-minute highly interactive PE session is designed for 5th class students (age 10-11) following the Curriculum Framework for Ireland (Physical Education). The focus is on improving jumping for height and safe, effective landing techniques, aligned with strands and learning outcomes from the Active movement strand.

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Curriculum Links

Strand: Active Movement
Strand Unit: Athletics and Outdoor Activities – Jumping and Landing
Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate effective jumping techniques (both vertical and horizontal) using proper take-off and landing skills.
• Students will develop awareness of body control and balance during phases of jumping and landing.
• Students will participate confidently in activities that develop muscular strength, coordination, and spatial awareness.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and perform the key components of a high vertical jump with controlled arm and leg movement.
2. Execute a safe and balanced landing, minimising impact and injury risk.
3. Reflect on their own and peers’ jumping and landing techniques to suggest improvements.
4. Develop strength and coordination to enhance performance in jumping activities.

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Equipment

• Soft landing mats (one per group of 6)
• Cones to mark jumping locations
• Measuring tape
• Stopwatch or timer
• Visual cue cards demonstrating key technique points
• Whistle for signal work

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up (7 minutes)

• Activity: Dynamic warm-up combining jogging, high knees, heel flicks, and arm circles to prepare muscles for jumping.
• IE Curriculum Focus: Prepares muscular strength and coordination necessary for effective jumping and landing (Active movement – physical capacity development).
• Teacher prompts: Emphasise light landing and knee flexion during jogging to foster awareness of landing biomechanics.

2. Technique Introduction & Demonstration (8 minutes)

• Use visual cue cards to explain and demonstrate:
  • Jumping for Height:
    • Quick knee bend (load)
    • Swinging arms upwards for momentum
    • Explosive extension of legs and hips
  • Landing:
    • Feet shoulder-width apart
    • Knees bent to absorb impact
    • Arms forward for balance
• Group students around mats for close viewing.
• Highlight safety and controlled movements in line with Curriculum standards on safe practice.

3. Skill Practice in Stations (15 minutes)

Divide the class into 4 groups (6 students each) with rotating stations:

• Station 1: Vertical Jump Marking
  • Students jump against a wall or vertical height indicator to measure max reach.
  • Teacher explains incremental improvement strategies (arm swing, knee bend depth).
• Station 2: Controlled Landing Practice
  • Students jump from a low platform (approx. 30cm) onto mats focusing on soft, balanced landing and knee flexion.
• Station 3: Plyometric Box Jumps
  • Jump on and off a small box to build explosive strength with emphasis on landing technique.
• Station 4: Peer Observation & Feedback
  • Students take turns jumping and landing; peers use a simple checklist to note body position and landing control, then provide positive and constructive feedback.

4. Group Challenge (10 minutes)

• Activity: “Jump and Land Relay”
• Each group lines up and completes a sequence: sprint 5 metres → vertical jump with arm swing → soft landing on mat → sprint back.
• Time each group, encourage cooperative spirit and safe technique under time pressure.
• Discussion after relay: Which parts were easiest/hardest? How did landing technique affect jump distance?

5. Cool-Down and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Gentle stretching focusing on calves, hamstrings, quads, and lower back.
• Circle time discussion:
  • What did you learn about jumping high and landing safely?
  • Why is good landing technique important? (Discuss injury prevention)
  • Which skills did you improve on today?
• Collect qualitative self-assessments: students rate their confidence on a scale of 1-5.

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Assessment

• Formative: Teacher observation using a rubric on jump height, arm movement, knee bend, and landing control during stations.
• Peer Assessment: Checklist feedback during the observation station helps build critical analysis skills as per Curriculum standard on movement reflection.
• Self-Assessment: End-of-lesson confidence rating encourages personal goal setting.

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Inclusion & Differentiation

• Provide lower jump heights or smaller box heights for students needing modifications.
• Use peer support from stronger jumpers for scaffolding technique improvements.
• Visual aids and physical demonstrations to support varied learners.

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Teacher Tips for WOW Factor

• Introduce a “Jump Journal” where students record their jump height and landing comfort, tracking progress over weeks.
• Use slow-motion video recording with a tablet for students to see themselves and understand body positions more clearly.
• Create a simple competition with rewards for best improved technique or most controlled landing to boost motivation.

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This lesson plan not only meets the IE Curriculum specifications but integrates physical literacy, safety awareness, peer learning, and self-reflection, all pivotal for 10-11 year-olds mastering foundational jumping and landing skills in physical education.