Triple Jump Accuracy: Hit the Target Line
A short-approach triple jump challenge where the winner isn't the student who goes farthest but the one who lands closest to a target line chosen before jumping. Students work on controlling the length of each phase of the triple jump and on realistically judging their own ability.
How to play
- In the gym, set up lanes of mats pushed together about 33 ft long (or a track lane landing on mats); a takeoff line 3 running steps from the start and chalk lines every 18 inches at the far end.
- Groups of 4 per lane: jumper, foot judge (checks the hop-step-jump rhythm), landing judge, and scorekeeper; rotate after every jump.
- Calibration round (5 min): 2 free jumps to learn your distance; the landing judge marks it with a cone.
- Accuracy round (9 min): before each jump, the jumper picks a target line; points by distance from the line: 3 within 9 inches, 2 within 18 inches, and 1 within 3 ft.
- Each student takes 4 jumps; if the foot pattern breaks, the jump scores 0 even if it lands on the line.
- Final (4 min): the group picks one shared line and everyone gets one attempt; add up the group total and discuss which phase they adjusted to control distance.
Rules
- Land on two feet on the mats with bent knees.
- Check the mats before each round so there are no gaps.
- No one waits inside the lane: line up behind the start.
- The target line is chosen before the jump and can't be changed.
Variations
Easier
Standing triple jump with target lines every 3 ft.
Standard
3-step approach with points for landing close to the chosen line.
Harder
The judge picks the line instead of the jumper, and all three phases must be about the same length.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student does three wheelchair pushes or a walking hop-step-jump and aims for a line the same way.
- Autism: a visual chart shows the points by distance and the role rotation order.
- Advanced students: use a 5-step approach with a target line beyond 90% of their best mark.
Learning goals
- Adjust the length of each triple jump phase to hit a planned distance.
- Estimate one's own jumping ability realistically.
- Observe and judge a partner's foot rhythm.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 24
- chalk: 4
- cones: 12
- measuring tapes: 6
Teacher tip
Aiming for accuracy forces students to control their speed, so use this to polish foot rhythm rather than chase distance. Connect the mats securely with hook-and-loop tape or tape on the underside.
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