KS3 · Physical education · Year 7
Jumping for height
Athletics: run, jump, throw and officiate
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can coordinate myself to perform the scissors technique and jump at my highest.
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Jumping for height: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.
What you’ll learn
I can coordinate myself to perform the scissors technique and jump at my highest.
Key learning points
- Move: the non take off knee should be driven upwards to help generate the upward momentum needed to clear the bar.
- Move: landing with the lead leg first then the trail leg, in a 1-2 pattern, ensures a controlled landing.
- Think: approaching the take off from 30-40 degrees is the ideal angle for a successful scissor technique.
- Feel: setting target heights to clear can build confidence and self-belief to try gradually more challenging heights.
- Connect: motivating classmates as they prepare to jump can help them to jump higher.
Words to know
- 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 mistakes
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.
For parents, carers and teachers
- 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.