Four-Way Standing Jump Challenge

A standing jump challenge where each student jumps with both feet from a center cross forward, backward, and to both sides, and the team adds up the distances in all four directions. Students work on leg and arm drive, balanced landings, and spatial awareness.

How to play

1. Chalk 4 jump roses: a center cross with lines every 20 cm (about 8 in) out to 1.5 m in each direction; each line is worth one point (3 min).
2. Demo: knees bent, arms back, swing the arms toward the jump direction, and land on both feet without putting hands down (2 min).
3. Groups of 6 at each rose: students take turns doing one jump forward, one backward, one right, and one left; one teammate reads the line reached and another records it (6 min).
4. Add up the group score for all four directions; if someone falls and puts their hands down, that jump counts half (2 min).
5. Second round: each student picks their weakest direction and repeats it twice to try to improve; improvements earn bonus points for the group (4 min).
6. Share out: which direction is hardest to jump far in, and why? (1 min).

Rules

• Always jump with both feet, with no run-up or step.
• On the backward jump, a teammate checks that nobody is behind.
• Wait until the previous jumper leaves the rose before jumping.
• Score the line under the heel closest to the cross.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: move in all four directions with their usual support and count the lines they reach in three seconds.
• Students with visual impairments: mark the lines with raised tape and have a partner use their voice to signal the direction.
• Fitness or skill level: strong jumpers must stick the landing for two seconds for the jump to count; beginners may swing their arms twice before jumping.

Learning goals

• Coordinate arm and leg drive in a two-foot standing jump.
• Keep balance when landing in different directions.
• Measure and record results honestly with the group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• chalk: 6
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Backward jumps can be scary: start with short distances and a spotter two meters behind. Rotate the scorekeeper with every jumper so everyone takes part.

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