Which Foot Do I Take Off From? Quick Takeoff Test

A warm-up with simple tests so each student finds their preferred takeoff foot. That information is used later for long jump, triple jump and high jump.

How to play

1. Easy jog in a circle with skips and butt kicks (2 min).
2. Test 1: from standing, lean forward until you fall and note which foot steps out to catch you (1 min).
3. Test 2: step up onto a gym bench three times and see which foot goes first (2 min).
4. Test 3: three short runs with a jump to touch a high mark and see which foot you take off from (3 min).
5. Each student picks a takeoff foot and tells a partner, who remembers it for the main activity (2 min).

Rules

• Benches against the wall and stable.
• Jumps in test 3 are done in single file, five steps apart.
• There is no 'good' or 'bad' foot, only a preferred one.
• Unsure? Try both feet calmly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: a partner says out loud which foot was used in each test.
• Limited mobility in one leg: choose the safer side with the teacher, no jump tests.
• Low confidence: do the tests at the end of the line, without an audience.

Learning goals

• Identify the preferred takeoff foot.
• Activate the legs with simple jumps.
• Know your own body to choose a technique.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 6
• gym benches: 4

Teacher tip

If two tests agree, that is the takeoff foot; if not, test 3 wins. In scissor high jump you take off from the foot farther from the bar, so this decides which side you approach from.

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