Jump Power Slides Jump Power
Fundamentals of Jumping for Distance
How far can you go?
Imagine you are a spring. To jump far, you need to store energy and then release it all at once.
"Does swinging your arms really make a difference?"
Ready... Set... Launch!
The Anatomy of a Jump
1
Load
Feet shoulder-width
Bend knees
Arms back
2
Launch
Swing arms forward
Explode with legs
Reach for the sky
3
Land
Two-foot landing
Absorb with knees
Fall forward (if you must!)
Land Safely!
The Rule of the Heel
Distance is measured from the takeoff line to the closest mark left in the sand or on the mat.
The "Quiet Landing"
If your landing makes a loud "THUMP," you aren't using your knees as shock absorbers!
Don't fall back!
Falling back reduces your distance.
The Arm Swing Experiment
Try 3 jumps with your arms glued to your sides.
Goal
Discover the power of momentum
Jump Power Log Jump Power Log
Field Event Fundamentals: Standing Long Jump
Athlete:
Date:
Today's Mission
We are testing how arm momentum affects distance. You will perform two sets of jumps: one with no arm movement and one with a full powerful swing.
The Experiment
Set A: Arms at Sides
Keep your arms still. Use only your legs to jump.
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| Best A |
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Set B: Full Arm Swing
Swing arms back, then drive them forward as you jump.
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| Best B |
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The Analysis
1. Compare your "Best A" and "Best B." Which one was further? Why do you think that happened?
2. Draw an arrow on the figure below to show the direction your arms should move during the "Launch" phase.
3. Safety Tip: What part of your body acts like a "shock absorber" when you land?
Jump Fundamentals Teacher Guide Teacher Resource Lesson 1: Jumps
Jumping Fundamentals
Teacher Guide
Focus
Standing Long Jump mechanics, explosive power, and landing safety.
Equipment
Measuring tapes (metric/imperial)
Cones or tape for lines
Gym mats or sand pit
The Hook (5 mins)
"Athletes, today we unlock the secret to flying. Does your body have a hidden engine? Let's find out if our arms can give us more distance than our legs alone."
Challenge a student to a 'No-Arm Jump' vs your 'Full Swing Jump'. Discuss why the difference occurs (momentum transfer).
Skill Focus: The Three L's
1
LOAD
The "Power Coil." Knees bent at 90 degrees, torso leaning forward, arms back like wings.
2
LAUNCH
The "Explosion." Synchronized arm swing forward and leg extension. Look up, go forward.
3
LAND
The "Quiet Landing." Absorb weight in knees. Measure from the HEEL closest to the line.
Common Misconceptions
Falling Back: Remind students that if they land and then fall backward, the mark is taken where their hand or bottom hit. Encourage "forward momentum" even after landing.Double Bounce: Many kids try to 'hop' at the start. Stress that feet must stay stationary until the big launch.
Differentiation
Support: Use visual markers (poly spots) to show where feet should start and targeted landing zones.
Extension: Challenge students to calculate the percentage increase in distance from the "No Arm" to "Arm Swing" trials.
Long Jump Approach Slides Fast to Far
The Long Jump Approach and Takeoff
Speed = Distance
In the standing jump, you used only your muscles. In the Long Jump , you use your muscles AND your Momentum .
The Math of Jumping
Fast Run + Strong Takeoff = GIANT JUMP
Don't slow down at the board!
The Approach Sequence
1
Start
Same starting spot every time.
2
Build
Increase speed gradually.
3
The Board
Look ahead, not at your feet!
4
Takeoff
Explode UP from one foot.
The Takeoff Rule
Legal Zone
Foul Zone (The Sand)
Your foot must touch the Takeoff Board (or the line). If your toe crosses the line before you jump, it is a Foul and the jump doesn't count!
Goal: Take off from one foot exactly at the line.
Mistake: Slowing down to "check" for the board.
Look to the Horizon
"If you look at the board, your body will lean forward and your jump will be short. Look ahead to jump high and far!"
Takeoff Tracker Worksheet Takeoff Tracker
Mastering the Approach & Momentum
Athlete:
Date:
What is Momentum?
Momentum is the "push" you get from moving fast. In the long jump, we try to turn Forward Momentum (running) into Upward Lift (jumping).
Flight Log
Set 1: Short Run (5 Steps)
Focus: Control
Trial Foul? (Yes/No) Distance Landing Feel 1
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Set 2: Full Approach (10+ Steps)
Focus: Max Speed
Trial Foul? (Yes/No) Distance Landing Feel 1
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The Reflection
Did running faster make your jump longer? Why or why not?
What happened to your accuracy at the board when you ran faster?
Rules of the Field
Circle the correct answer:
If my toe touches the sand BEFORE I jump...
It's a Foul It Counts
In a Long Jump, I should take off with...
1 Foot 2 Feet
Long Jump Approach Teacher Guide Teacher Resource Lesson 2: Jumps
Approach & Takeoff
Teacher Guide
Time
45-60 Minutes
Skill
Momentum Transfer
Aesthetic
Coordination
1. Measuring the Run (The 'Why')
Students often struggle with "hitting the board" because their steps are inconsistent. Teach them to establish a Check Mark .
"Athletes, a pilot doesn't just guess where to land a plane. They follow a path. We are going to find your 'path' to the board today."
2. Technical Cues
The Approach
High knees for power
Pump arms like a sprinter
Eyes on the horizon (not the board!)
The Takeoff
One-foot launch
Lead knee drives UP to the chest
"Punch the sky" with the opposite arm
3. Station Management
Safety: Ensure the landing pit is raked flat between jumps. Do not allow students to jump until the "all clear" signal is given from the pit.
Measurement: Tape measures should be staked at the zero-mark (board). Remind students: distance is measured from the back of the heel (the mark closest to the board).
Guided Inquiry
Q: "When you ran full speed, was it harder or easier to jump exactly from the board?"
Q: "How does looking down at the board change your body's shape in the air?"
Shot Put Mechanics Slides The Shot Put
Power through the Push
Stop! Don't Throw.
In Shot Put, "throwing" like a baseball can hurt your elbow and shoulder .
We use the PUSH technique.
"Think of it like pushing a heavy door open with one hand."
Dirty Fingers
Master the Grip
1
Dirty Fingers: Hold the ball at the base of your three middle fingers.
2
Clean Palm: There should be a gap! The ball never touches your palm.
3
The Neck: Rest the shot against your neck, under your ear.
Keep it tucked in!
The Power Position
Chin
Face the side, away from the field.
Knee
Back knee bent, front leg straight.
Toe
Point your back toe away from the target.
Uncoil like a spring!
Power comes from the legs, not the arm.
Safety First!
Wait for the Whistle
Never throw until the teacher says "Ready".
Walk, Don't Run
Retrieve your ball only when the area is clear.
Power Position Worksheet Power Position Guide
Shot Put Mechanics & Force Generation
Athlete:
Weight:
The Grip Check
Ball on the "roots" of the fingers?
Thumbs pointing down?
Space between ball and palm?
The Stance Check
Chin over back toe?
Chest facing the side?
Elbow high and out?
Trajectory Tracker
Athlete
Draw the path of the "push" here...
Target
The Power Push Trials
Trial # Cues Used (Chin/Knee/Toe) Distance 1
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Why do you think "uncoiling" your body like a spring makes the shot go further than just using your arm muscles?
Shot Put Teacher Guide Teacher Resource Lesson 3: Throws
Shot Put Mechanics
Teacher Guide
Essential Safety Setup
The Sector: Mark a clear 35-degree throwing sector. No student should enter the sector until all shots have been "put" and the "Retrieve" command is given.
The "Shot": For 4th grade, use softballs, 1kg vinyl shots, or even weighted bean bags. Avoid heavy metal shots for initial skill building.
Teaching the Grip
Dirty Fingers
The ball sits on the base of the fingers. This allows the fingers to "flick" or "pop" at the end of the push.
The "Phone" Position
Tell students to "answer the phone" by tucking the shot against their neck. This prevents them from trying to swing the arm wide.
Sequence: The Standing Put
1
Load: Face the side. Weight on the back leg. Elbow high.
2
Twist: Rotate the hips first. Pivot on the back toe.
3
Push: Extend the arm fully. Reach for a 45-degree angle.
Scaffolding Tips
"Watch out for the 'T-Rex Arm'—when they don't extend the arm fully."
Step 1: Practice the push with just a two-handed chest pass using a medicine ball or basketball.Step 2: Practice the "Chin-Knee-Toe" position without the shot.Step 3: Add the shot and focus purely on the 45-degree release angle. Goldilocks Angle Slides The Perfect Arc
Finding the Goldilocks Angle
Which way is further?
Too High
Goes up, but falls down quickly. No distance.
Too Low
Fast, but gravity pulls it to the ground too soon.
Just Right
The perfect balance of height and speed.
The Magic Number
45°
In physics, the Optimal Angle for distance is exactly 45 degrees.
The Overhand Launch
Opposite Foot
Step forward with the foot opposite your throwing hand.
The "L" Shape
Keep your throwing arm in an 'L' shape before you release.
Follow Through
Don't stop at the release! Let your arm swing across your body.
Release High!
Testing the Theory
Today you will try to hit three targets at different heights.
30°
Low
45°
Perfect
60°
High
Trajectory Tester Worksheet Trajectory Tester
Field Event Physics: The Overhand Throw
Athlete:
Partner:
Hypothesis
I think the throw with the highest angle will travel:
The Furthest
The Shortest
Somewhere in Between
The Testing Range
Release Style Angle Description Distance (m/ft) Flight Notes Low Drive Like a line drive in baseball
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| High Rainbow | Throwing way up in the air |
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| Goldilocks | 45-degree angle (halfway up) |
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The Anatomy of a Throw
Circle the part of the thrower's body that helps provide the most Power .
Arm & Shoulder
Legs & Hips
Why does the ball stop in the air and fall down? Which invisible force is acting on it?
GRAVITY
Trajectory Teacher Guide Teacher Resource Lesson 4: Throws
Trajectory & Throwing
Teacher Guide
The Inquiry Focus
Instead of telling students to throw at 45 degrees, have them discover it. Use targets (hula hoops on the ground vs. ribbons tied between poles) to force different launch heights.
Overhand Cues
The "L" Position
Elbow at shoulder height, hand back. This creates a long lever for more force.
The Opposite Step
Ensure students step with their non-throwing foot to open their hips for power.
Experiment Setup
The Field: Set up three "Throwing Lanes." Use cones at 5m, 10m, 15m intervals to help students estimate distance without constant measuring.
The "Goldilocks" Gauge: Place a visual marker (like a tall cone or a teacher standing safely back) that represents the 45-degree angle path.
Critical Corrections
Short Arming: If students only use their wrist, have them practice the "big circles" arm warm-up.Wrong Foot: If they step with the same foot, place a footprint marker on the ground to guide the non-throwing foot forward.Release Point: Releasing too late leads to a "dirt ball." Releasing too early leads to a "pop fly."
Discussion Point
"How does air resistance (wind) change our 'perfect' 45-degree angle? What if we are throwing into a strong headwind?"
Showcase Circuit Slides SHOWCASE
Field Event Circuit
The Game Plan
Today is about Personal Bests . We are rotating through 4 stations to test your skills and record your distances.
Rules of the Circuit
Be a fair judge for your partners
Always wait for the safety signal
Record every trial on your scorecard
Rotate on the Whistle!
10 Minutes per Station
1
The Jump Pit
Perform your best Running Long Jump .
Focus: High knees and an explosive takeoff from the board.
Pit Area
2
The Shot Ring
The Standing Shot Put .
Focus: Chin-Knee-Toe power position and the "Push" technique.
Sector Area
3
Trajectory Lab
The Overhand Throw for distance.
Focus: Find that 45-degree angle to make it fly.
Lanes 1-3
4
Skill Mastery
Review & Refine .
Pick one event you want to improve and practice the "little things" (grip, arm swing, or approach).
Central Zone
Personal Bests!
You aren't competing against each other today. You are competing against your own scores from earlier in the week. Let's see how much we've grown!
Personal Best Scorecard Personal Best
FIELD RECORD
ATHLETE #04
Name:
Class:
Long Jump Showcase
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Season Best __ . __ __ . __ __ . __
Shot Put Showcase
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Season Best __ . __ __ . __ __ . __
Overhand Throw Showcase
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Season Best __ . __ __ . __ __ . __
Self-Assessment
Which event did you improve the most in this week? What was the "key tip" that helped you?
Event Director Handbook Event Director Only Unit Finale:
Event Director's
Handbook
Circuit Logistics
Rotation Time
10-12 Minutes
Group Size
4-6 Students
Student Roles within Stations
To keep the circuit moving and encourage engagement, assign roles to students waiting for their turn:
The Judge: Watches the takeoff line or foul line.
The Measurer: Places the zero-end of the tape at the mark.
The Recorder: Helps peers write scores accurately.
Director's Cheat Sheet
Long Jump
Measurement is from the takeoff line to the nearest mark in the sand. If they land on their hands, measure from the hands!
Shot Put
Safety Check: No one in the sector. Emphasize "Push, don't Throw" one last time before starting.
Overhand Throw
Trajectory: If balls are hitting the ground too soon, remind them of the "Goldilocks" 45-degree angle.
The "Podium" Finish
Wrap up the lesson with a quick reflection circle:
"Who hit a Personal Best today? High five your partner!"
"How did understanding physics (angles and momentum) change how you performed?"
"Which event are you most proud of mastering?"
