Counter balance
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a variety of quality counter balances with a partner.
Key learning points
- Move: quality pair counter balances require pushing against our partner and holding the balance still with extension.
- Move: linking high quality counter balances requires moving with fluidity and control.
- Think: interesting gymnastics challenges creative thinking on how to use two different levels and connection points.
- Feel: being able to rely on each other in our pair to work hard to create quality counter balances requires integrity.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
1 mat between 2
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is it called when we hold a still position without moving or falling?
Q2.If we trust and work well with our partner in gymnastics, what skill are we showing?
Q3.If we move at the same time as our partner, what is this called?
Q4.Which of the following qualities would improve our gymnastics performance?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.If we listen to feedback from our peers, what aspect of our counter balances will improve?
Q2.How could we make our counter balances more interesting?
Q3.Which of the following helps you to link your counter balances together?
Q4.If you are showing integrity when working on your counter balances in gymnastics what does this mean you are always doing?
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Counter balance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Counter balance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Gymnastics: counter balance and counter tension unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.