New
New
Lesson 6 of 12
  • Year 7

Jumping for height

I can coordinate myself to perform the scissors technique and jump at my highest.

Lesson 6 of 12
New
New
  • Year 7

Jumping for height

I can coordinate myself to perform the scissors technique and jump at my highest.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: the non take off knee should be driven upwards to help generate the upward momentum needed to clear the bar.
  2. Move: landing with the lead leg first then the trail leg, in a 1-2 pattern, ensures a controlled landing.
  3. Think: approaching the take off from 30-40 degrees is the ideal angle for a successful scissor technique.
  4. Feel: setting target heights to clear can build confidence and self-belief to try gradually more challenging heights.
  5. Connect: motivating classmates as they prepare to jump can help them to jump higher.

Keywords

  • Scissors technique - a method where the athlete clears the bar by jumping over it with a split-legged motion

  • 1-2 pattern - landing in a sequence of lead leg then trail leg

  • Run-up - the approach made towards the bar before the take off

Common misconception

When learning the scissors technique, pupils often use an incorrect take-off foot, choosing to jump from the foot closest to the bar instead of the foot furthest away.

Allow pupils to practise jumping off their right foot, then their left, before performing the full action to establish which they prefer to take off with. Be observant during full performances and be ready to suggest a pupil changes approach side.


To help you plan your year 7 physical education lesson on: Jumping for height, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

The flexibility of an elasticated bar removes a lot of fear about getting hurt and as they are looped over the posts, they can be quickly adjusted to suit the next jumper, whereas fibreglass bars take time to adjust at the expense of activity time. Be careful re post-jump tripping on elastic bar.
Teacher tip

Equipment

pool noodles, high jump posts, crash mats, elasticated high jump bar, stack of cones, floor markers

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which type of jump is in the middle of the triple jump?

Correct Answer: step

Q2.
How might we prompt ourselves about how to perform mid-performance?

Correct answer: use self-talk
read a manual
distract ourselves

Q3.
Which word means transitioning from one jump to the next smoothly in triple jump?

uneven
Correct answer: fluent
jerky

Q4.
What does giving honest feedback to someone sometimes require?

arrogance
fear
Correct answer: courage

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which foot should you take-off with in the high jump?

closest to bar
Correct answer: furthest from bar
either

Q2.
How can motivation from others impact the performer in the high jump?

Correct answer: inspire bigger jumps
distract the jumper
make them anxious

Q3.
What is the pattern for landing when using the scissors technique?

2-2 landing
2-1 landing
Correct answer: 1-2 landing

Q4.
What angle should we ensure we approach from when using scissors technique?

10-20 degrees
Correct answer: 30-40 degrees
50-60 degrees