JUMPING TECHNIQUES

Teaching a child with a visual impairment to jump follows a teaching progression that is not different from the one used to teach the movement to a sighted child.

By following an appropriate teaching progression, the child will be able to learn the fundamentals that will allow them to approach long jump, high jump, and triple jump disciplines.

Downward Jump

The teaching progression often starts with a downward jump, which is useful for introducing the flight phase – sometimes intimidating for younger children – and for teaching a safe landing.

Upward Jump

The next step is to train the upward jump, where the push to initiate the flight phase comes from the athlete. The instructor can use aids such as an object placed above to touch, providing the child with feedback on the effectiveness of the jump.

Long Jump

To teach the long jump technique, it is useful to start by introducing the standing long jump with both feet. It is essential to allow the child to explore the long jump pit before performing the exercise, ensuring they can practice safely and without fear.

Using verbal guidance is helpful to direct the athlete and provide feedback on the effectiveness of the jump. For example, placing a rope in the sandpit can serve as a motivational marker, encouraging the athlete to jump farther.

The next step in learning the long jump is to practice jumping from a stationary position with alternating feet (one forward, one backward).

Once the athlete has become familiar with taking off from a single foot, it will be possible to introduce a few approach steps. One guide will assist the athlete in positioning correctly on the takeoff board, facing the sandpit. A second guide will provide an auditory cue to indicate the location of the sandpit.

The guide can also provide verbal commands such as “jump” to indicate the exact takeoff moment to the athlete. However, for a more effective and safer approach, the athlete is advised to memorize the exact number, length, and speed of their strides so that they can be consistently reproduced as precisely as possible, even without the guide’s “jump” command.

High Jump

Beyond the possibility of competing in events, it is still possible and beneficial to teach children with visual impairments the fundamental movements of the high jump.

It is recommended to start by familiarizing them with the landing mat:

• Standing on the mat, the child jumps upward with both feet and lands while trying to sit down.
• While standing on the mat, the child lets themselves fall backward to land in a supine position on the mat.
• Positioned on an elevated surface with their back to the mat, the child must jump backward and land on their back on the mat.

The training then progresses to practicing the takeoff and approach, using verbal guidance for orientation.

Tips for Training the Jumping Movement While Having Fun

Using a speed ladder, soft hurdles, and a jump rope can help the child practice the jumping movement in an engaging and enjoyable way.