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Year 7

Using apparatus to aid flight

I can demonstrate good take off, flight and landing techniques with control and balance using a springboard.

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New
New
Year 7

Using apparatus to aid flight

I can demonstrate good take off, flight and landing techniques with control and balance using a springboard.

Download all resources

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

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: good springboard technique requires a controlled run up and correct foot placement on the springboard.
  2. Move: taking off from the springboard involves pushing upwards and extending the arms overhead to assist with height.
  3. Think: understanding how good technique using a springboard can generate flight will help you perform controlled jumps.
  4. Feel: continuing to try even when apprehensive about using a springboard will develop your self-confidence.
  5. Connect: completing group challenges using a springboard requires excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Keywords

  • Flight - when we are in the air, not touching the ground or equipment

  • Springboard - a specially designed board using in gymnastics to help generate upward momentum

  • Take-off - transitioning from the ground into the air and could use apparatus such as a springboard

Common misconception

Pupils struggle to coordinate their take off on to the springboard. Pupils land on the springboard with their heels.

Use a short run up to develop good take off technique focusing on 1 foot to 2 feet on the springboard. Pupils should always land on the balls of their feet to get more lift from the springboard. 


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

Pupils should already know how to land safely with knees bent and upright posture. However, if pupils lack confidence and control when jumping, set up stations away from the springboards where they can work on their basic jumps techniques and safe landings.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 mat between 2, 4 springboards (or as many as available)

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).

Starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
How can you absorb impact to protect you from injury when jumping?
look up
Correct answer: bend your knees
sit down
Q2.
What jump are you performing when extending arms and legs out to create an ‘X’ shape?
straddle
straight
Correct answer: star
Q3.
Where should your arms be when performing a straight jump?
by your side
Correct answer: extended
in front
Q4.
When jumping from apparatus, which of the following is most important?
Correct answer: control
power
flexibility

Exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What does a springboard help us to generate?
agility
Correct answer: flight
control
Q2.
How many feet should you push off the springboard or the floor to gain height?
Correct Answer: 2, two
Q3.
If we gradually extend our run up to generate more height off the springboard, what can this help us develop?
teamwork
strength
Correct answer: self-confidence
Q4.
What is the stage of the jump called where we transition from the ground to their air using a springboard?
Correct Answer: take off