J-Curve Approach for the High Jump
Students learn the J-shaped approach of the high jump: a few straight steps, a curve with the body leaning away from the mat and a takeoff from the foot farthest from the bar. They work on coordination, turning speed into height and landing safely.
How to play
- On each side of the landing mat, mark a J with cones and chalk: 5 straight steps and 4 on the curve; groups of 6 per side based on their takeoff foot (3 min).
- Curve with no jump: jog the J leaning into the curve, away from the mat; 3 runs per student (3 min).
- Takeoff in place: at the end of the J, take off from the foot farthest from the mat, drive the inside knee and arms up and land on your feet in the same spot without turning (3 min).
- Takeoff and turn: same, but after takeoff turn your back to the mat and land seated on it (4 min).
- Elastic cord between the standards at 28 to 36 inches: full J approach and clear the cord with a scissor kick or a flop, depending on each student's level (4 min).
- Each student checks with a partner whether the takeoff landed on the chalk mark (1 min).
Rules
- Only one jumper is on the mat; the next starts once the previous jumper has gotten up and moved away.
- Always land on your back or seated in the middle of the mat, never head first.
- Push the mats together with no gaps and check them before starting.
Variations
Easier
Shorten the J to 3 straight steps and 3 on the curve and take off with no cord.
Standard
A 5 plus 4 step J with the cord at 28 to 36 inches.
Harder
Time the curve to keep the speed up and raise the cord 2 inches at a time.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student in a wheelchair follows the J leaning the trunk into the curve and serves as takeoff observer.
- Autism: mark the path with numbered colored disc cones so the sequence is visual and predictable.
- Beginners or students afraid of landing: practice the takeoff and turn, landing only seated on the mat.
Learning goals
- Run the J approach while leaning into the curve.
- Take off from the foot farthest from the bar, driving knee and arms up.
- Land safely on the mat.
Equipment for a class of 25
- high jump landing mat: 1
- high jump standards: 2
- elastic cords: 2
- cones: 18
- chalk: 4
Teacher tip
The usual mistake is running straight at the mat and turning at the end; the curve should start at least 4 steps out.
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