New
New
Year 5

Counter balance

I can create a variety of quality counter balances with a partner.

New
New
Year 5

Counter balance

I can create a variety of quality counter balances with a partner.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: quality pair counter balances require pushing against our partner and holding the balance still with extension.
  2. Move: linking high quality counter balances requires moving with fluidity and control.
  3. Think: interesting gymnastics challenges creative thinking on how to use two different levels and connection points.
  4. Feel: being able to rely on each other in our pair to work hard to create quality counter balances requires integrity.
  5. Connect: providing feedback to others to help improve the quality of our counter balances shows trust in one another

Keywords

  • Counter balance - a pushing balance where we maintain the desired shape in a stationary position completely still

  • Quality - the good characteristics of the performance that suggest the movements and balances are performed correctly

  • Creativity - the ability to generate, imagine or produce new and original ideas, concepts or solutions

Common misconception

Pupils may think that a partner balance is a counter balance. Pupils may struggle with counter balance due to unequal weight distribution. Pupils may struggle to trust their partner.

Show the difference between a partner balance and a counter balance. Pupils practice positions individually and work together to adjust the balance equally. Incorporate activities that require working together and communication to build trust.


To help you plan your year 5 physical education lesson on: Counter balance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Pupils should be matched for size and ability. If pupils struggle to perform balances individiually, focus on the fundamentals before attempting to move on to more complex skills such as counter balances. Use demonstrations (pupils if possible) to show what excellent gymnastics looks like.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 mat between 2

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

4 Questions

Q1.
What is it called when we hold a still position without moving or falling?
leap
roll
Correct answer: balance
Q2.
If we trust and work well with our partner in gymnastics, what skill are we showing?
Correct answer: respect
confidence
goal setting
Q3.
If we move at the same time as our partner, what is this called?
Correct answer: unison
canon
sequence
Q4.
Which of the following qualities would improve our gymnastics performance?
pauses
Correct answer: fluidity
poor timing

4 Questions

Q1.
If we listen to feedback from our peers, what aspect of our counter balances will improve?
quantity
Correct answer: quality
movement
Q2.
How could we make our counter balances more interesting?
change partners
Correct answer: change the levels
look down
Q3.
Which of the following helps you to link your counter balances together?
Correct answer: fluency
speed
power
Q4.
If you are showing integrity when working on your counter balances in gymnastics what does this mean you are always doing?
Correct answer: trying your best
being the best
winning