Does Warming Up Work? Jump Before and After

Students measure their standing broad jump with minimal preparation, do a short warm-up and measure it again. Data from the whole class shows the effect of warming up on performance.

How to play

1. In groups of five with a tape measure, after a minute of gentle mobility, each student does a standing broad jump and records the distance (3 min).
2. Guided common warm-up: jog, dynamic mobility, squats, lunges and three submaximal jumps (5 min).
3. Second jump: two attempts per student, recording the best one (2 min).
4. Each group calculates the average difference and results are shared on the board (2 min).

Rules

• The first jump is done without a run-up and with a controlled, bent-knee landing.
• Measure from the line to the back of the rearmost heel.
• Anyone who feels discomfort on the first jump doesn't repeat it and helps with measuring.
• Data is shared anonymously.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: measures a seated ball throw before and after the warm-up.
• Ankle injury: takes charge of measuring and calculating for the group.
• Visual impairment: a partner helps line up the feet with the line using touch.

Learning goals

• Use their own data to check the effect of warming up on performance.
• Measure a leg power test accurately.
• Interpret group results and recognize their limits.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tape measures: 6
• handouts: 30

Teacher tip

Ask what else might explain the improvement, such as learning or motivation; it's a natural way to introduce the idea of a control group.

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