Counter tension
I can create a variety of quality counter tension balances with a partner on apparatus.
Counter tension
I can create a variety of quality counter tension balances with a partner on apparatus.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Move: quality counter tension balances require pulling away from our partner, holding the balance still and extending.
- Think: ensuring our counter tension balances are creative involves using two different levels and connection points.
- Think: evaluation helps plan how to use different body parts to create counter tension balances on apparatus.
- Feel: creating counter tension balances requires integrity as we strive to create quality ideas on apparatus.
- Connect: trusting our partner is vital as we pull away from each other and hold the counter tension balance still.
Keywords
Counter tension balances - a pulling 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
Interesting - different levels and different connection points in the balance
Common misconception
One pupil pulls harder or doesn’t pull enough, leading to an imbalance and collapse of the position. Pupils do not have a secure grip with one another
Encourage pupils to communicate with their partners pulling gently at first, then increase force gradually to find the balance point. Encourage pupils to grip using wrists as an alternative to hands.
To help you plan your year 5 physical education lesson on: Counter tension, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 physical education lesson on: Counter tension, 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 secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
1 mat between two, 4 benches, 4 agility tables, wall bars, worksheet
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
