Controlling the body: balance and control
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform both static and dynamic balances on rails and benches showing accuracy, control and coordination.
Key learning points
- Move: walking on a rail requires core stability and proprioception to place the feet accurately.
- Move: balance requires ankle strength and stability to keep the body centred over the rail.
- Think: correct foot placement is what keeps you safe and makes it easier to balance for a longer distance.
- Feel: the more relaxed you can be, the easier it is to balance.
- Connect: working with a partner can help you relax and build up skill safely.
Keywords
Balance - the ability to maintain control of the body’s position while still or moving, especially on narrow or unstable surfaces
Proprioception - the body’s ability to sense its position and orientation in space without relying on visual input
Stability - the ability to maintain control of your body during movement, landings or when holding a position
Common misconception
Pupils often look directly down at their feet which shifts their head forward and throws them off their centre of gravity. Pupils are often overly tense when balancing.
For safety in parkour, pupils should focus just in front/ahead of their feet. Pupils should stay relaxed especially in their arms and shoulders.
Teacher tip
Pupils should be told not to step on the supports at the end of the benches as this may tip them. They should use the central section of the beam. If balancing on something taller than knee height, pupils should reach their hands to the rail/obstacle when falling to control their descent.
Equipment
benches, beams, rails (if school has a suitable area with rails outdoors)
Content guidance
Additional qualification required
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What are quick explosive jumps also known as in parkour?
Q2.What type of surface is a precision jump usually performed on?
Q3.What types of jumps are described as long bounding steps used to typically clear a gap?
Q4.Where should your chest be to help maintain balance when performing a precision jump?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is most helpful when trying to balance with control and stability?
Q2.Which joint needs to be particularly strong when performing static balances on a rail or bench?
Q3.At what speed should you move out of high quality dynamic balances?
Q4.Which word describes the ability to sense the body's position and orientation in space, without relying on visual input?
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Controlling the body: balance and control, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Controlling the body: balance and control, 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 Parkour: developing confidence and creative movement unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.