Springboard Approach and Two-Foot Takeoff

Students learn a short run, the hurdle step, and a straight jump off a low springboard, landing on a crash mat. They work on coordinating the run with a two-foot takeoff, the flight phase, and sticking the landing.

How to play

1. Set up two stations: the springboard with a crash mat in front, supervised by the teacher, and a dry station with a line of hoops on the floor and mats at the end. Split the class into two groups (2 min).
2. Dry station: three running steps, a hop on one foot into the last hoop, and a landing on both feet together, as if it were the springboard (4 min).
3. Springboard with no run: standing on the board, take two gentle bounces and do a straight jump onto the crash mat, landing with bent knees and arms forward (4 min).
4. Springboard with a run: from a cone 5 steps away, jog in, take the hurdle step, and land on both feet at once in the middle of the board to spring into a straight jump (5 min).
5. Groups switch stations. On the last turn, each student tries to stick the landing without moving the feet for 3 seconds (5 min).

Rules

• Only one student jumps at a time; the next waits behind the cone.
• Always land on both feet at once with bent knees.
• Nobody uses the springboard unless the teacher is next to the mat.
• When finished, exit off the side of the crash mat, never off the front.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: work on bouncing while seated on a large ball or arm swings with a seated drop onto the mat.
• Autism: place footprints on the floor to mark the run-up and the takeoff spot.
• Fitness level: fearful students start by bouncing while standing on the springboard without leaving it.

Learning goals

• Coordinate the short run with a two-foot takeoff.
• Perform a straight jump with a controlled flight phase.
• Absorb the landing by bending ankles, knees, and hips.

Equipment for a class of 25

• springboard: 1
• crash mat: 1
• mats: 4
• hoops: 6

Teacher tip

The usual mistake is taking off from one foot or stepping on the edge of the board, so tape the sweet spot. Check that the springboard does not slide and that the crash mat is pushed right up against it.

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