Scissor High Jump over an Elastic Cord

An introduction to high jump using the scissor technique, clearing an elastic cord instead of a crossbar so students lose their fear. Students work on a short curved approach of three to five steps, taking off from the outside foot, and swinging the legs over one after the other.

How to play

1. Set up 3 stations, each with a landing mat, two poles held up in cones on the sides, and an elastic cord between them. Groups of 8 at each station (3 minutes).
2. No cord: a three-step approach and takeoff from the foot farther from the mat, driving the free knee up (4 minutes).
3. Cord at 50 cm: scissor over it, one leg and then the other, landing on the feet on the mat (5 minutes).
4. Raise the cord 10 cm at a time. Each student gets two tries per height and chooses whether to keep going up or practice at their height (6 minutes).
5. Mini contest at each station: everyone records their best height and compares it with their first try (3 minutes).
6. One-minute wrap-up: which foot did you take off from, and which side did you approach from?

Rules

• Only one person on the mat at a time: the next jumper goes once the last one is off.
• Always land on your feet or bottom, never headfirst.
• Cones hold the poles up, never classmates' hands.
• Waiting students stay behind the starting cone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: step over a low cord with a long stride, or serve as the official who measures and raises the cord.
• Visual impairment: replace the cord with a rope tied with bright ribbons, and a partner claps at the takeoff spot.
• Lower fitness: stay at a comfortable height and focus on technique rather than height.

Learning goals

• Take off from the outside foot after a short approach.
• Clear the cord using the scissor technique.
• Follow turns and safety rules on the landing mat.

Equipment for a class of 25

• elastic cords: 3
• landing mats: 3
• poles: 6
• cones: 9

Teacher tip

The elastic cord removes the fear of hitting a bar, so always start with it. The typical mistake is taking off from the inside foot; chalk the takeoff spot on each side.

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