Counter balance on apparatus
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create and develop a variety of quality counter balances with a partner on apparatus.
Key learning points
- Move: quality counter balances require pushing against our partner or the apparatus and holding still with extension.
- Think: evaluation helps to create a variety of ways to use apparatus and create two different levels in our balances.
- Think: using different body parts to push against as we create counter balances on apparatus requires creativity.
- Feel: being motivated to try lots of ideas, ensuring quality counter balances on apparatus requires integrity.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
10 mats, 4 benches, 4 gymnastics tables, wall bars
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which muscles should you always engage in a counter balance?
Q2.What can our peers give us to help improve our performance?
Q3.When you rely on each other and try your best, what are you showing?
Q4.When type of balance is a counter balance?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What can you add to your counter balances to improve the quality?
Q2.When we develop lots of different ways to counter balance using different body parts what are we showing?
Q3.How long should you hold your balances still for, to demonstrate stability and control?
Q4.If you continue to try your best and explore different ideas for your counter-balances what are you showing?
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Counter balance on apparatus, 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 on apparatus, 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.