New
New
Year 7

Creating sequences with locomotion, rotation and balance

I can create short sequences to incorporate locomotion, rotation and balances.

New
New
Year 7

Creating sequences with locomotion, rotation and balance

I can create short sequences to incorporate locomotion, rotation and balances.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: to transition smoothly between balances, maintain momentum and control movements to create fluidity.
  2. Move: Using your eyes to see cues to ensure timing is cohesive with the group enhancing the elegance of performance.
  3. Think: adding movement patterns like unison and canon into a sequence enhances visual interest and difficulty.
  4. Feel: devising a sequence with good timing, flow and body awareness improves creativity skills.
  5. Connect: moving in unison or cannon gives a sense of teamwork, showcasing coordination and harmony.

Keywords

  • Unison - you and your partner do the same moves at exactly the same time, perfectly matching each other's timing and movements

  • Canon - when performing a sequence of movements, group members do the same order of moves but at a different time

  • Sequence - a combination of two or more movements and balances performed in succession

Common misconception

When pupils add more content to their sequence, they can lose flow with the sequence looking unpolished. Pupils show limited variety in their locomotive elements.

Practise the sequence slowly at first, focusing on smooth transitions between movements and balances. Encourage pupils to be creative and add variety to their locomotive movements throughout the sequence.


To help you plan your year 7 physical education lesson on: Creating sequences with locomotion, rotation and balance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

If pupils lack creativity and use repetitive movements in their sequence, ask them to reflect and discuss all of the different ways in which they can travel in gymnastics. Give pupils time to explore different ways in which they can move and share ideas with others.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 mat between 2, 4 benches, 4 gymnastics tables.

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).

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following will help improve our timing with a partner?
jumps
rolls
Correct answer: communication
Q2.
Which of the following is an example of a locomotive movement?
Correct answer: forward roll
balance
plank
Q3.
How can we maintain control when rotating in gymnastics?
hold on
look down
Correct answer: maintain good posture
Q4.
What sort of balance involves pulling away from each other?
Correct answer: counter tension balance
coutner balance
partner balance

4 Questions

Q1.
If we demonstrate different levels, speed and movement patterns, what will our sequence show?
good skill level
Correct answer: good variety
bravery
Q2.
What part of your body can you use to ensure your timing is cohesive with your partner?
your core
your arms
Correct answer: your eyes
Q3.
How does mapping out a sequence carefully help to improve your overall performance?
Correct answer: adds creativity
improves posture
develops resilience
Q4.
How does moving in both canon and unison improve a sequence?
Correct answer: enhances visual interest
changes the speed
improves communication