One-Foot Takeoff Ribbon Touch
A one-foot takeoff drill after a short approach, where students try to touch ribbons hanging at different heights from a rope with the head or hand. Students work on vertical drive, lifting the free knee, and arm action, the common base for the long, triple, and high jump.
How to play
- Stretch two long ropes between basketball hoops, goals, or posts about 8 ft high and hang ribbons at four different heights, marking each height's lane with cones (set up beforehand).
- Groups of 5 per lane with a 5-step approach marked by cones; demonstrate the motion: takeoff, knee up, and arms driving upward (2 min).
- Round 1 (4 min): take off from the preferred leg and touch the ribbon with the hand on the same side as the free knee; 4 attempts.
- Round 2 (4 min): same motion but touch the ribbon with the head or shoulder, so the whole body rises, not just the arm; 4 attempts.
- Round 3 (4 min): take off from the non-preferred leg; each student can switch lanes to match their ribbon height.
- Final challenge (4 min): each touch in a higher lane is worth 1 point; groups add up their hits over 6 attempts per student.
Rules
- Land on both feet with bent knees, facing forward.
- Go only after the previous jumper has left the landing area.
- No one hangs on or pulls the ribbons or the rope.
- Check that the rope is tied securely and the landing area is clear of objects.
Variations
Easier
Lower ribbons, and two-foot takeoffs are allowed.
Standard
One-foot takeoff with a 5-step approach and ribbons at four heights.
Harder
Take off from the non-preferred leg with a 7-step approach and touch the ribbon with the head.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: ribbons at hand height from the wheelchair to work on full arm extension after a push.
- Shyness: students choose lanes without announcing them, and the challenge is scored by group, not by individual.
- Lower fitness: the lowest lane and a rest after every two attempts.
Learning goals
- Perform a one-foot takeoff coordinating the arms and free knee.
- Turn horizontal speed into vertical lift.
- Identify one's preferred takeoff leg.
Equipment for a class of 25
- ribbons: 20
- long ropes: 2
- cones: 25
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is slowing down before takeoff: cue the last two steps to be quicker, not longer. Use a different ribbon color for each height so students can choose without asking.
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