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Physical Education

Jump for Height

Overview

Students measure and try to improve their vertical jump height through focused technique practice.

Learning Objective
Students maximise their vertical jump height by applying correct technique — arm swing, knee bend, and timing.

Resources needed

  • Wall or flat surface to mark heights
  • Chalk or charcoal to mark reaches

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Standing reach: each student reaches as high as possible on a wall — mark the height.
  2. 2 Teach the vertical jump: bend knees, swing arms back, then explode upward swinging arms forward.
  3. 3 Jump and touch the wall as high as possible — mark the jump height.
  4. 4 Measure the difference between standing reach and jump height — this is the jump score.
  5. 5 Practise the arm swing in isolation: arms back, pause, swing up — feel the momentum.
  6. 6 Three more jumps using deliberate arm swing — does the score improve?
  7. 7 Discuss: what made the biggest difference — the leg push or the arm swing?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Two-step approach before jumping — compare to standing jump.
  • Squat jump: start from a low squat, no counter-movement.
  • Depth jump: step off a low step, land, immediately jump — develops reactive strength.
More information

Teach: vertical, reach, swing, explosive, counter-movement, score. Count the jump measurement aloud so students can compare clearly.

Students with knee issues use a seated arm throw for distance instead. The arm swing principle is the same.

Is the arm swing coordinated with the leg push? Is the student fully extending through ankles, knees, and hips at takeoff?

Chalk or charcoal on any wall marks the height. No jump mat or measuring equipment needed.

Students think jumping is only about leg power. Demonstrate clearly that arm swing can add 10–15% to jump height — the arms are genuinely important.

Vertical jump is used as a fitness test in basketball, volleyball, and athletics talent identification. Arm swing is the most undercoached component.

Activity details
Secondary Medium 20 minutes 5 minutes prep Whole Class, Small Group Outdoor
Topics
Vertical Jump Power Technique