Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Field Events – Scissor Technique In High Jump Notes
Physical & Health Education — Field Events
Subtopic: Scissor Technique in High Jump (for age 11)
The scissor is one of the first high jump techniques children learn. It is safe, easy to practise and good for school athletics. These notes explain how to do it step-by-step and how to practise safely in Kenyan school settings.
What is the Scissor Technique?
The scissor is a way of jumping over a low bar by leading with one leg, then the other, like scissors opening and closing. You land on your feet on a soft mat. It helps build confidence for other high jump styles later.
Why learn it?
- Good for beginners and small school groups.
- Develops rhythm, balance and coordination.
- Safe landing — feet first on a mat.
- Easy to teach during Kenya school athletics lessons.
Safety and equipment
- Warm up for at least 10 minutes (jog, skipping, leg swings).
- Use a soft landing mat or thick foam. If not available, use a pile of soft mats or sand.
- Clear the run-up of stones and holes (Kenyan school fields can be uneven — check).
- Teacher or coach must watch and guide every jump.
- Start with a low bar (about 50 cm) and raise slowly — do not force heights.
Basic Steps (easy to follow)
- Run-up: Take 5–7 small running steps in a straight line towards the bar. Keep your eyes on the bar or a point just above it.
- Plant / Take-off: Plant your take-off foot (the foot nearest the bar) on the ground. Push up strongly. The other leg (trail leg) goes up like a scissor.
- Scissor action / Flight: First the lead leg goes over the bar, then the trail leg follows, making a scissor shape in the air.
- Arms: Use your arms to help lift you. One arm goes up with the lead leg; the other balances.
- Landing: Land on your feet on the mat. Bend your knees to absorb the shock and then sit down or roll back gently.
Simple practice drills
- Step-over bar: Place a pole low (50–60 cm). Walk and step over it, practising the leg order.
- Single-leg hops: Hop forward on your take-off leg for 6–8 metres to build power.
- Run + scissor: Run 5 steps, then do the scissor over a low bar.
- Pair drill: One pupil holds the bar low and gives feedback while another practises.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Too slow run-up: Fix by practising a 5-step run and counting steps.
- Wrong take-off foot: Decide which foot is stronger; always use the same one.
- Not lifting the trail leg: Practise scissoring the legs while standing beside a low pole.
- Landing flat or back-first: Bend knees and practise landing on feet with soft mats.
How teachers can assess progress
- Count successful clears at each height (e.g., clear 50 cm three times).
- Note improvement in run-up rhythm and take-off power.
- Use simple scoring: 3 attempts per height; best height recorded in cm.
- Look for correct landing and safe technique, not only height.
Suggested starting heights for 11-year-olds (Kenya)
Start low (about 50 cm). Many children will try between 50 cm and 80 cm. Increase by 5–10 cm only when the jumper clears the previous height comfortably.
Short practice plan (30 minutes)
- Warm-up (10 min): jog, dynamic stretches, leg swings.
- Drills (10 min): step-over bar, single-leg hops, scissor steps.
- Practice jumps (8 min): 5-step run-up, 3 attempts at each height.
- Cool down & feedback (2 min): stretch and quick notes.
Quick tip for pupils
Practice a little every week. Keep the run-up steady and your eyes on the bar. Be brave but safe — the mat will catch you!
These notes are for Kenyan primary schools. Always practise under an adult's supervision and use a mat for landing.