Gymnastics Jump Shapes

Students learn basic gymnastics jumps with a shape in the air: straight jump, star jump, tuck jump and half-turn jump, always with a controlled landing. It works on vertical takeoff, body control in flight and soft landings.

How to play

1. Set up 5 rows of mats with a hoop in front of each; post 4 cardstock signs with a drawing of each jump on the wall.
2. Teach the landing first (2 min): feet together, knees bent, arms forward and hold still for two seconds like a statue.
3. Practice each shape (8 min, 2 per jump): straight jump with arms up, star jump spreading arms and legs, tuck jump bringing knees to chest and half turn to face backward. Jump from the hoop and land on the mat.
4. In groups of 5 (4 min), each student creates a two-jump sequence and the group copies it.
5. Wrap-up (2 min): groups show their best sequence to the class, with credit for still landings.

Rules

• Jump one at a time; the next student waits until the mat is clear.
• Every landing ends in a two-second statue; otherwise repeat the jump.
• No full twists or flips in the air.
• Keep dirty shoes off the mats.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: make the shapes with arms and trunk in a wheelchair or seated, in time with the group sequence.
• Hearing impairment: the picture cards show the jump and a raised hand signals the start.
• Fitness level: each student chooses the jump height; shape and landing are what count.

Learning goals

• Perform vertical jumps with different shapes in the air.
• Land softly and hold balance.
• Link jumps into a short sequence.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 5
• hoops: 5
• picture cards: 4

Teacher tip

The most common mistake is landing with straight legs: cue land like a spring. Stand to the side to see each row's landings.

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