Team High Jump: Decide When to Pass

A team scissor-kick high jump competition with real rules: each jumper may pass heights and gets three attempts at each one. The team adds up every member's best height and makes strategic calls on who jumps and who passes each time the bar goes up.

How to play

1. Review the scissor technique with a short J-curve approach, plus the three-attempt rule and the rule for passing a height (4 min).
2. Set up two jumping areas with an elastic bar and crash mats, each shared by two teams of six or seven (3 min).
3. The bar starts at 80 cm and goes up 5 cm at a time; before each height the captain announces who jumps and who passes, and a student from another team records attempts with O, X or a dash (15 min).
4. Each team adds up its members' best heights and analyzes which decisions gained or cost them points (8 min).

Rules

• Only the scissor technique is allowed; the Fosbury flop requires mats at least 20 inches thick and teacher permission.
• The bungee bar is attached to the standards so it falls off on contact.
• The next jumper waits until the mat is clear and back in place.
• A student who misses three attempts in a row becomes the judge's assistant, and their best height still counts for the team.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: serves as captain and judge, and adds points to the team from an agreed accuracy throw.
• Visual impairment: touches the bar before each attempt and a partner calls out the takeoff spot.
• Overweight: may start at a lower height without any penalty to the team.

Learning goals

• Use the scissor technique in a competitive setting.
• Make strategic decisions about risk and how to share attempts.
• Learn and apply the rules of vertical jumping events.

Equipment for a class of 25

• high jump standards: 4
• elastic bungee bar: 2
• crash mats: 4

Teacher tip

An elastic bar takes away the fear of a rigid crossbar; stretch it just enough so it doesn't bounce. Check that the crash mats are together and secure before starting.

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