How to Teach the Essential Skills of Vertical Jump

Fundamental motor skills are important to enable children to perform every day functions, such as walking and running, playground skills (e.g. climbing) and sporting skills

(e.g. catching, throwing and hitting a ball with a bat).  Vertical Jump is one

of the eleven primary important fundamental motor skills to learn,

particularly for students in Early Childhood.  Teachers will learn the

importance of vertical jumping, as these actions require proper

coordination and strength from multiple body segments to produce the skill.

Children will develop improved jumping and strengthening techniques and

lateral movements to engage the lower and upper body through various

levels of coordination.

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In this unit, student will learn to:

1. Eyes focused forward or upwards throughout the jump

2. Crouch with knees bent and arms behind body

3. Forceful upward thrust of arms as legs straighten to take off

4. Contact ground with front part of feet and bend knees to absorb
   force of landing

5. Balanced landing with no more than one step in any direction

Teaching Vertical Jumping is a great way to engage your students

with essential fundamental movement skills.  This unit promotes coordination and team skills.  Have a look at the Early Childhood PE Vertical Jumping Lessons Pack (click the link above).  You will be fully equipped to teach a huge range of activities for your grades K – 2.  You will also receive the I CAN posters, student checklists, lessons and more.