Jumping

Jumping is a movement in which the body briefly leaves the ground before landing again. To jump, the legs push against the ground and the muscles of the legs and hips produce force that moves the body upward. The arms and trunk can help with balance and coordination. While the body is in the air, gravity pulls it back toward the ground.

During landing, the knees, ankles, and hips bend to help absorb the impact. Learning to jump therefore involves strength, balance, coordination, body awareness, and the ability to control movement. Young children often begin with small jumps using both feet before gradually developing more varied movements.

Jumping can be practiced in many simple ways, such as jumping in place, over a small line, or from one marked spot to another. The surface and surroundings matter: a clear, stable area with enough space reduces the risk of falling or colliding with objects. Children can improve their control by learning to bend their knees when landing and by keeping their movements appropriate to their abilities.

Jumping is useful in play and also appears in activities such as running games, dancing, gymnastics, and many sports. Because children develop at different rates, some may master jumping earlier than others. Regular opportunities to move, play, and practice help develop physical skills without requiring children to perform movements beyond what they can safely manage.