Leap

Jumping Unit | Level 11

TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to leap.

IMPORTANCE
Leaping is important because it helps you become a longer distance jumper.

When leaping, it is important to:

Practice 1: Line up along the baseline shoulder-to-shoulder. When I say, “GO!” leap forward off of the line practicing the proper technique. When you are finished, line back up on the baseline.
Practice 2: Repeat as many times as needed.

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Leap the Gap. Your goal is to leap across the gap without falling in!

INSTRUCTIONS

• I will divide you into two groups.
• Before the game begins, line up at your marker cone.
• When I say, “GO!” both groups will send one student at a time to leap over the gap.
• If you fall in the gap or if any part of your body touches the ropes, you will have to try again.
• You will get two chances to leap across.
• We will begin a new game when everyone has leaped the gap at least once.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach: Remind students leaps only count if they are controlled.  This means that if you are falling over or stumbling when you land, you are leaping too far at once. 
• Discussion: Ask students to share who they saw tying their best at extending their non-jumping foot while leaping over the gap.

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Sneaky Crickets II. In this game, you are all crickets. Your goal is to leap closer and closer to the freezer (teacher).

INSTRUCTIONS

• Before the game begins, you must line up at the baseline shoulder-to-shoulder facing the freezer. I will begin as the freezer.  
• When the freezer turns around, he/she will count aloud to five (“1-sneaky cricket, 2-sneaky crickets, 3-sneaky crickets…”).
• During this time, you have to start leaping towards them.
• When the freezer gets to five, they will shout, “FREEZE!” and turn around to see if anyone is still moving.
• If you are still moving, you must reset to the beginning.
• We will begin a new round when a student tags the freezer on the shoulder.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach: Remind students that, since they freeze often, speed is not as important as control and focus.
• Discussion: Ask students to share what was easy or hard about landing on their non-jumping foot when leaping as a cricket.

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Grasshopper Tag II. In this game, spring has finally sprung after a long cold winter. You and your fellow grasshoppers are excited to stretch your legs and jump around in search of food.  However, you are not the only ones who are hungry. Your goal is to leap over to another tagged grasshopper after you have been caught by the eagle (tagger).

INSTRUCTIONS

• When I say, “GO!” you have to avoid being tagged by the eagle.
• The eagle(s) must use a two-finger butterfly tag.
• If you are tagged or go out-of-bounds, you must find another tagged player and leap over to him/her.
• Once the two of you have found each other, you must sit back-to-back and try to stand up by leaning on each other. You may not use your hands to get up. 
• We will begin a new game when all grasshoppers have been tagged or when a new eagle is chosen.

TEACHING TIPS

• Safety: Remind students to maintain a safe distance from other students when leaping to prevent injury.
• Approach: Occasionally call jailbreaks to keep students engaged.
• Discussion: Ask students to share who they saw doing a good job at running and jumping off one foot when leaping.