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      Who I like: my friends

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use contact work safely and responsibly.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: using contact work involves careful planning to ensure safety for all.
      2. Think: planning a counterbalance or supported jump involves reflecting on safety.
      3. Feel: checking how a counterbalance or supported jump is to be performed requires integrity for all involved.
      4. Connect: understanding and responding to the boundaries of other performers involves respect.

      Keywords

      • Counterbalance - where two or more performers share a balance by pulling or pushing against each other

      • Supports - where a performer relies upon another to prevent them from falling

      • Contact work - any action that includes physical contact with another performer

      Common misconception

      When performing a 'pulling' counterbalance, pupils should hold hands.

      There are many ways to perform 'pulling' counterbalances other than using hands, but if doing so, pupils should clasp one another's wrists to make a more secure connection.

      Teacher tip

      Introducing PE mats is likely to increase risky behaviour. By introducing and reminding pupils of the safety aspects throughout the lesson, pupils should be able to work safely and manage any perceived risk.

      Equipment

      Suggested music.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which is not a form of exaggeration?

      make bigger
      make stronger
      Correct answer: make slower

      Q2.
      What is a synonym for ‘projection’?

      Correct answer: communication
      lightness
      loudness

      Q3.
      What does listening to the ideas and opinions of others involve?

      reliability
      Correct answer: respect
      resilience

      Q4.
      What do we use to make sure feedback is helpful and honest?

      Correct answer: integrity
      bluntness
      vagueness

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is not an example of contact work?

      counterbalance
      support
      Correct answer: counterpoint

      Q2.
      What should you do before performing a counterbalance?

      Correct answer: plan it
      rehearse it
      move further apart

      Q3.
      What should you do before performing a supported jump if someone isn’t ready?

      do it anyway
      Correct answer: wait patiently
      change partner

      Q4.
      Why should we check in with another person before making physical contact?

      Correct answer: to be respectful
      to improve
      to finish quickly

      To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: Who I like: my friends, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...