L is for Landing

Landing is a key skill that helps children move safely and confidently.

Landing is learning how to absorb force safely when coming down from a jump. Whether children are jumping off equipment, bouncing on a trampoline or stepping down from a height, how they land is just as important as how they take off.

In early childhood, children are still developing the strength, coordination and body awareness needed to land safely. That’s why landing is an important focus in Junior Gym and preschool gymnastics programs — helping children build safe movement habits from the very beginning.

Why Landing Matters

Developing strong landing skills supports children in both movement and everyday play.

Protects growing bodies

Learning how to land with control helps reduce impact on joints and supports safe movement during play and sport.

Improves stability

Landing requires children to stabilise their body, which strengthens balance and control.

Builds coordination

Children learn to combine bending, absorbing force and holding their body steady, improving overall coordination.

Increases confidence

When children feel secure landing, they are more confident to jump, explore and try new movements.

How We Build Landing in Junior Gym

In Junior Gym, landing is taught through fun, structured activities that focus on control and safety.

Jump-and-stick games
Children practise landing and holding their position, helping them learn to control their body after movement.

Landing mats
Soft surfaces provide a safe space for children to practise absorbing force and stabilising their body.

Trampoline drills
Children learn to control their body while bouncing and practise landing safely after movement.

Clear coaching cues
Simple instructions like “bend your knees” and “freeze” help children understand how to land with control.

Through these activities, children learn how to land safely, stabilise their body 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
• J is for Jumping
• K is for Kinesthetic Sense

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