Mastering Jumps & Landings

Overview

Year Group: Year 5
Subject: Physical Education – Gymnastics
Unit: Gymnastics Skills Showcase (Lesson 4 of 6)
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 25 students

Curriculum Links

National Curriculum for Physical Education in England (Key Stage 2):

• Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control, and balance
• Perform gymnastics techniques with accuracy and precision
• Evaluate and improve performances

---

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this session, pupils will:

1. Understand the importance of controlled jumps and safe landings in gymnastics.
2. Learn & demonstrate two key jump techniques: tuck jump & straddle jump.
3. Apply correct landing techniques to avoid injury and enhance performance.
4. Self-assess & provide peer feedback to improve execution.

---

Resources & Equipment

✔ Gym mats for soft landings
✔ Cones to mark jumping zones
✔ Hoop stations for practice focus points
✔ Whistle for activity transitions
✔ Demonstration videos or visual cue cards (if available)

---

Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Objective: Prepare muscles and joints for jumping and landing impact.

Activities:

• Jogging & Stretching (3 mins) – Students jog around the gym/hall, followed by key stretches: calf raises, ankle rolls, and dynamic lunges.
• 'Jump & Freeze' Game (5 mins) – Students jump in different styles on the teacher’s command (e.g. straight, tuck, star), freezing on landing to ensure control.
• Landing Check (2 mins) – Introduce correct landing position:
  • Feet shoulder-width apart
  • Knees slightly bent
  • Arms forward for balance

---

2. Skill Development (20 minutes)

Tuck Jump (10 mins)

• Demonstration with teaching points:
  • Start with knees slightly bent.
  • Propel upwards by pushing through toes.
  • Bring knees to chest in mid-air.
  • Land softly with knees slightly bent.
• Practice Drill:
  • Pupils perform three tuck jumps in a row in pairs, observing each other’s technique.
  • Swap roles and provide peer feedback: "Were their knees high? Did they land softly?"

Straddle Jump (10 mins)

• Demonstration & Key Points:
  • Jump upwards with legs extending sideways to form a ‘V’ shape.
  • Arms reach forward for stability.
  • Maintain body control in mid-air and land with bent knees.
• Practical Application:
  • Pupils perform the straddle jump over a marker (e.g. a hoop laid flat on the ground) to reinforce leg extension.
  • Partner observation and quick feedback.

---

3. Fun Challenge & Application (10 minutes)

Activity: Jump & Land Circuit

• Station 1 – Tuck Jump Bounce (3 jumps in a row, focusing on control)
• Station 2 – Straddle Jump Markers (jumping over hoop targets, maintaining form)
• Station 3 – Landing Perfection Zone (students must “stick” their landings in a designated safe space)

👉 Progressive Challenge: Can they perform a sequence linking both jumps together smoothly?

---

4. Cool Down & Reflection (5 minutes)

Cool Down Activities:

• Slow movements & controlled deep squats to release tension.
• Gentle stretching (hamstrings, quadriceps, ankles).

Reflection Questions:

• "Which jump felt easier/more challenging and why?"
• "What did you notice about your landings?"
• "How will today’s skills help in other sports like netball or athletics?"

👉 Exit Strategy: Students give one key takeaway to a partner before leaving.

---

Assessment & Differentiation

Assessment:
✅ Teacher observation of technique & control.
✅ Peer feedback discussions.
✅ Responses during reflection.

Differentiation:

• Support: Use lower hoops for straddle jumps, reduce repetition if needed.
• Challenge: Introduce half-turn jumps for confident students, encourage linking movements smoothly.

---

Teacher’s Final Thought

This session builds vital spatial awareness and body control, preparing pupils for more advanced gymnastics sequences in future lessons. Encourage curiosity – let students explore movement freely and celebrate small improvements! 🚀