Takeoff Zone Long Jump: Measure from the Footprint

Instead of a board, students take off inside a 1 m zone and every jump is measured twice: from the actual footprint and from the front edge of the zone, so they discover how many centimeters they lose at takeoff. They work on the long jump, takeoff accuracy and the roles of judge and measurer.

How to play

1. Chalk a 1 m wide takeoff zone starting 1 m from the pit. Groups of 5 with roles that rotate after every jump: jumper, takeoff judge, footprint measurer, landing measurer and raker (3 min).
2. Explain the measuring: the takeoff judge chalks the toe of the takeoff foot; the official distance is measured from the front edge of the zone and the actual distance from the footprint (2 min).
3. Round 1: an 8 to 10 step approach, take off on one foot inside the zone and land on both feet; both measurements are called out (6 min).
4. Math: each student subtracts the two numbers to find the centimeters lost; the group talks about how to adjust the approach (2 min).
5. Round 2: two more jumps, trying to take off near the front edge of the zone without stepping past it; measure twice again (7 min).

Rules

• Only one student is on the runway, and nobody enters the pit until the jumper is out.
• Always land on your feet or fall forward, never reaching back with your hands.
• The raker smooths the pit with the tines facing down and keeps the rake out of the landing area.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student serves as takeoff judge or measurer and keeps the group's scorecard.
• Shyness: start in a measuring role and choose when to jump; the marks are shared only within the group.
• Beginners: do a standing jump from one foot inside the zone, measured the same way.

Learning goals

• Take off on one foot inside a zone without slowing down.
• Calculate how much distance is lost by an inaccurate takeoff.
• Carry out the judge and measurer roles responsibly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• sand pit: 1
• measuring tape: 2
• chalk: 5
• rakes: 2

Teacher tip

This way of measuring takes away the fear of the board and encourages students to attack the takeoff; many find they lose 30 to 40 cm.

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