New
New
Year 5

Counter balance on apparatus

I can create and develop a variety of quality counter balances with a partner on apparatus.

New
New
Year 5

Counter balance on apparatus

I can create and develop a variety of quality counter balances with a partner on apparatus.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: quality counter balances require pushing against our partner or the apparatus and holding still with extension.
  2. Think: evaluation helps to create a variety of ways to use apparatus and create two different levels in our balances.
  3. Think: using different body parts to push against as we create counter balances on apparatus requires creativity.
  4. Feel: being motivated to try lots of ideas, ensuring quality counter balances on apparatus requires integrity.
  5. Connect: trusting others to give accurate feedback helps us to add quality of our counter balances on apparatus.

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

  • Apparatus - equipment made for a particular task

Common misconception

Pupils may struggle with balance due to weak core muscles. Pupils may always want to use the same apparatus in the same area.

Add some core strengthening exercises into the warm up and emphasise the importance of core strength in all activities. Encourage pupils to use a range of apparatus throughout the lesson to develop their confidence.


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

The equipment list is a suggestion. If you do not have wallbars for example, you could use more benches or any other equipment you have. If pupils struggle with uneven weight distribution, focus on couner balances in isolation rather than movements out of balances and linking balances together.
Teacher tip

Equipment

10 mats, 4 benches, 4 gymnastics tables, wall bars

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.
Which muscles should you always engage in a counter balance?
hamstrings
Correct answer: core
biceps
Q2.
What can our peers give us to help improve our performance?
praise
criticism
Correct answer: feedback
Q3.
When you rely on each other and try your best, what are you showing?
Correct answer: integrity
curiosity
generosity
Q4.
When type of balance is a counter balance?
Correct answer: pushing
pulling
high

4 Questions

Q1.
What can you add to your counter balances to improve the quality?
flexion
Correct answer: extension
rotation
Q2.
When we develop lots of different ways to counter balance using different body parts what are we showing?
strength
Correct answer: creativity
independence
Q3.
How long should you hold your balances still for, to demonstrate stability and control?
Correct Answer: 4 seconds, four seconds
Q4.
If you continue to try your best and explore different ideas for your counter-balances what are you showing?
Correct Answer: Integrity