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Physical Education

Hop, Step, Jump

Overview

Students practise the hop-step-jump sequence used in the triple jump, building the rhythm before adding distance.

Learning Objective
Students learn the three-phase rhythm of the triple jump and develop controlled landing technique.

Resources needed

  • Flat outdoor surface
  • Marked take-off line
  • Stick or stone markers

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Walk through the sequence: hop (same foot), step (other foot), jump (both feet).
  2. 2 Say the rhythm aloud while walking: 'hop — step — jump'.
  3. 3 Try slowly from standing — no run-up.
  4. 4 Add a 3-step run-up — keep it slow and controlled.
  5. 5 Focus on the landing: bend knees, arms forward, land on both feet.
  6. 6 Mark each student's best jump.
  7. 7 Practise three times — aim to improve the rhythm, not just the distance.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Standing triple jump — no run-up at all.
  • Count how many steps the hop phase covers.
  • Compare dominant and non-dominant lead foot.
More information

Teach: hop, step, jump, rhythm, same foot, other foot. Say 'same — other — both' as a simpler rhythm cue for younger students.

Many students need many repetitions of just the hop before adding the step and jump. Break the skill down into phases across multiple lessons.

Is the student landing on the correct foot in each phase? Is there a distinct rhythm or does it collapse into a run-jump?

Mark the take-off line with a stick. Use sticks to mark distance. No sand pit or special surface needed.

Students turn the hop into two hops or skip the step entirely. The sequence must be exact: same foot, other foot, both feet — in that order, every time.

The triple jump rhythm is one of the most complex in athletics. Teaching it early builds body coordination and rhythmic awareness that transfers to many sports.

Activity details
Primary Challenging 20–25 minutes 5 minutes prep Whole Class, Small Group Outdoor
Topics
Triple Jump Athletics Rhythm