High jump
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform a Fosbury flop technique to maximise the height I can jump.
Key learning points
- Move: high jump requires a curved approach to build up speed and momentum.
- Move: high jumpers take off from the outside foot by driving their knee and arm nearest the bar up and over.
- Think: centrifugal force is generated using a curved run up to generate momentum.
- Feel: repeated practice and mental rehearsal builds confidence to execute a powerdul drive almost ignoring the bar.
- Connect: supportive feedback to peers on strengths and areas for improvement in jump technique requires sensitivity.
Keywords
Approach - the series of steps a jumper takes leading up to the jump
Centrifugal force - force that acts outward on a body moving around a curved path
Fosbury flop - technique in which the athlete arches backward over the bar
Common misconception
Pupils take an approach straight towards the bar which is not conducive to performing the Fosbury flop technique and maximising height jumped.
Pupils should take a curved run up which is J-shaped and will allow them to perform the technique required to gain the most height in their jump. The teacher can guide them to this through the activities.
Teacher tip
If only one high jump mat, time between attempts can be long. If space and resources allow, consider minimising inactivity by rotating pupils around stations (eg. practicing approach, video analysis, watching video of elite athletes perform) and using an elasticated bar which is adjusted quickly.
Equipment
High jump mat, posts and bar, stack of cones, recording sheet
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which phase of triple jump may be too short as a result of an overly long hop?
Q2.What will being fully committed help you to achieve in the triple jump?
Q3.How can we maintain momentum in the triple jump?
Q4.What can you do to help hit the board perfectly in the triple jump?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What force could not be created if you ran straight towards the bar instead of curved?
Q2.What can we do in the moments before our attempt to help our performance?
Q3.What is a technique used in high jump?
Q4.Which body part does the ‘dead bug’ position ensure you land on?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: High jump, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: High jump, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Non-examined assessment: athletics practical unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.