New
New
Year 6

Mirroring on apparatus

I can create a sequence of 3 mirrored movements that flow, with extension and control, on a variety of apparatus.

New
New
Year 6

Mirroring on apparatus

I can create a sequence of 3 mirrored movements that flow, with extension and control, on a variety of apparatus.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: quality mirrored movements on apparatus with control and extension must create a mirror image within our pair.
  2. Think: creating mirrored movements on a variety of apparatus requires decision making to ensure the movements flow.
  3. Connect: performing mirrored movements on apparatus requires communication to ensure fluidity and accurate timing.
  4. Feel: testing and creating high quality mirrored movements on apparatus with a partner requires self-motivation.

Keywords

  • Mirroring - performing movements together while creating a mirror image of each other

  • Quality - the good characteristics of the performance that suggest the movements and balances are performed correctly

  • Variety - having lots of different apparatus to choose from and use

Common misconception

Pupils move in the wrong direction so they are parallel instead of mirroring. When pupils perform their sequence on apparatus, they lose control, extension and flow.

Practise mirrored movements to create muscle memory. Pupils should adapt their sequences to work on apparatus so they don't lose quality. Pupils can also focus on communication to help improve the quality of their sequence on apparatus.


To help you plan your year 6 physical education lesson on: Mirroring on apparatus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Whenver you are using apparatus, revisit any safety requirements that you may need to discuss with pupils. Use music with a strong beat to help pupils develop better timing. Encourage simple movements performed well, rather than complex movements which look messy.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 mat between two, 4 benches, 4 gymnastics tables, wallbars

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).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What should quality mirrored movements include?

control and flexion
Correct answer: control and extension
control and silence

Q2.
How can we show we are motivated to perform at our very best?

change partners
give up
Correct answer: keep practising

Q3.
What do we do with our fingers and toes when they are extended?

Correct answer: point them
nothing
flex them

Q4.
What can we add to our sequences if we remove pauses?

balances
Correct answer: fluidity
canon

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
If we perform a movement symmetrically to our partner, what is this called?

sequencing
Correct answer: mirroring
extending

Q2.
What are we trying to maintain in our sequences when performing using a variety of apparatus?

unison
canon
Correct answer: flow

Q3.
What could we change in our sequences to add more variety?

Correct answer: levels and speed
partners
flexibility and strength

Q4.
What word do we use to describe performing movements and balances really well?

Correct Answer: quality