J is for Jumping

Jumping is one of the most exciting and energetic ways children learn to move.

Jumping is using the legs to create lift and land safely. Whether children are jumping on the spot, off equipment or onto soft surfaces, they are developing important strength and control through movement.

In early childhood, jumping is a key part of physical development. It helps children learn how to generate power, coordinate their body and control how they land — all essential skills for Junior Gym, preschool gymnastics and many kids sports.

Why a Independence Matters

Developing jumping skills supports children in a variety of ways.

Leg strength and power

Jumping helps build strong muscles in the legs, which support running, climbing and many everyday movements.

Coordination

Jumping requires the body to work together — bending, pushing off, lifting and landing — helping improve overall coordination.

Safe landing skills

Learning how to land safely teaches children to absorb impact and stabilise their body, which helps prevent injuries during play and sport.

Confidence in movement

As children gain strength and control, they become more confident trying new jumps and exploring different activities.

How We Build Independence in Junior Gym

In Junior Gym, jumping is developed through fun, structured activities that focus on both lift and safe landings.

Springboards and trampolines
Children practice creating lift and experiencing controlled bouncing movements.

Jump stations
Different activities encourage children to jump in a variety of ways — on the spot, forward, off equipment or onto soft mats.

Safe landing practice
Children learn how to land with control, bending their knees and stabilising their body.

Progressive challenges
Activities gradually increase in difficulty, helping children build strength, coordination and confidence over time.

Through these experiences, children learn how to jump with power, land safely and move with confidence.

The ABC’s of Junior Gym

This article is part of our ABC’s of Junior Gym series, where we explore the many ways movement supports your child’s development.

Each post focuses on a different skill or concept that children develop through Junior Gym and preschool gymnastics, helping to build:

• strong bodies
• confident movers
• active minds
• positive social skills

From Awareness and Balance to Confidence, Coordination and more, every letter highlights how movement supports whole-child development and school readiness.

Explore the other articles in the series:

• A is for Awareness
• B is for Balance
• C is for Coordination
• D is for Direction
• E is for Exploration & Effort
• F is for Focus
• G is for Growth Mindset
• H is for Hanging
• I if for Independence

Because when children learn to move well, they gain the confidence to explore, learn and grow.