Parkour Precision Jumps Between Marks

A basic parkour technique: jumping off both feet from one mark and landing on another on the balls of the feet, quietly and without losing balance. Students progress in distance and height while a partner scores the landing.

How to play

1. In pairs, each with a lane marked in chalk: a start line and three landing lines at 3, 5, and 6.5 feet (2 min).
2. Technique: arms back, take off from both feet, swing the arms forward, and land on the balls of the feet with bent knees, holding for 2 seconds (3 min).
3. Partner scoring: 1 point for landing on the line, 1 for a quiet landing, and 1 for sticking it. Ten jumps each, alternating distances (6 min).
4. Small-target precision: swap the line for a flat disc cone and land with the toes right next to it (3 min).
5. Height precision: in groups of 6, jump from the floor onto a low gym bench 20 inches away, then step down with control (4 min).

Rules

• If you lose balance, take a step forward instead of forcing the landing.
• No backward jumps or running jumps in this lesson.
• Benches go on dry ground, and the pair checks them before use.
• Each pair waits until the lane is clear before jumping.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student acts as judge, scores landings, and sets distances for the partner.
• Visual impairment: mark lines with raised tape, and the partner calls out the distance.
• Fitness level: each student picks the distance where they score 3 points and moves on only then.

Learning goals

• Land accurately and softly after a two-foot jump.
• Adjust the takeoff force to the target distance.
• Assess a partner's technique with clear criteria.

Equipment for a class of 25

• flat disc cones: 13
• chalk: 13
• gym benches: 4

Teacher tip

Loud landings mean students are landing on their heels: ask them to land like a cat. Teach parkour as control and good judgment, not risk-taking.

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