Sequences to include counter balance on apparatus
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a counter balance sequence with a partner on apparatus incorporating flow accurate timing.
Key learning points
- Move: quality sequences require a variety of travelling movements considering direction, level, unison, canon and flow.
- Think: evaluating ideas on apparatus including different levels and connection points creates interesting balances.
- Think: moving out of counter balances requires evaluation to ensure flow without pauses and to improve if necessary.
- Connect: trusting our partner to create ideas on apparatus to maximise the quality of the balances shows great teamwork.
- Feel: striving to improve the ideas we create and ensuring they are high quality requires integrity.
Keywords
Flow - moving from one action to another without stopping
Counter balance - a pushing balance where we maintain the desired shape in a stationary position completely still
Sequence - combination of controlled movements and balances that have been linked together in a particular order
Common misconception
One partner ends up bearing more weight than the other, leading to instability. Pupils may try complex counter balances before they have mastered the foundational skills.
Show examples of counter balances where pupils are evenly distributing their weight. Make sure pupils can perform basic counter balances with quality before they attempt more complex balances.
Teacher tip
Always check the apparatus for damage or instability. Provide pupils with progressively difficult tasks on apparatus, starting with working at lower levels to develop confidence. Team work is important when using apparatus. Encourage pairs to support or assist one another.
Equipment
10 mats, 4 benches, 4 agility tables, wall bars
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which muscles will always help with stability in your counter balance?
Q2.What do we have to develop with our partner to make sure we work safely?
Q3.What do we call the equipment we use in gymnastics to make our sequences more creative?
Q4.When we think of lots of ideas of how to connect to our partner in a counter balance, what skill are we showing?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.If we improve the flow of our sequences, what do we try to remove?
Q2.What word do we use to describe performing a movement at the same time as our partner in a sequence?
Q3.If you always strive to perform your best and always want to improve, what are you showing?
Q4.What do we call a combination of movements that have been linked together?
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Sequences to include 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: Sequences to include 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.