Long Jump: Dial In Your Run-Up with a Check Mark

Each student measures and adjusts their run-up to reach the takeoff zone on the right foot without slowing down. A wide chalk takeoff zone and a mat or sand landing are used.

How to play

1. Briefing: a 60–80 cm chalk takeoff zone and the idea of 'same run, same steps' (3 min).
2. In pairs, run it backward: from the takeoff zone, run away 8 steps and the partner chalks where the last step lands (5 min).
3. From that mark, practice runs without jumping; the partner checks whether the takeoff foot lands in the zone and the mark gets adjusted (6 min).
4. Jumps with the dialed-in run-up onto mats or into the pit, three attempts each (8 min).
5. Each student records their step count and mark distance for next session (3 min).

Rules

• One lane per group; start only when the landing area is clear.
• Land on your feet without putting your hands back.
• Wait outside the running lane.
• Mats pushed together with no gaps, or the pit raked.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: partner claps exactly when the jumper should hit the zone, and the lane is lined with cones.
• Limited mobility: standing or two-step jump onto the mat and measuring as a partner.
• Low confidence: practice runs without jumping until the mark is reliable.

Learning goals

• Adjust the run-up to take off inside the zone.
• Keep speed all the way to takeoff.
• Record your own data to make progress.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 12
• chalk: 6
• mats: 6
• measuring tape: 2

Teacher tip

No sand pit? Stack crash mats or cover several thin mats with a big one and push them against a wall so they don't slide. Common mistake: chopping the last steps to 'find' the zone; move the mark instead.

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