New
New
Year 7

Locomotion and partner work

I can move, balance and roll in time with my partner.

New
New
Year 7

Locomotion and partner work

I can move, balance and roll in time with my partner.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: performing a variety of locomotive movements in sequence requires control and fluidity.
  2. Move: tucking your chin during a forward roll protects the neck, keeps the head aligned, and ensures a controlled roll.
  3. Think: rolling is a type of locomotive movement that can enhance the skills demonstrated in a pairs sequence
  4. Feel: completing a roll is challenging, resilience and bravery are essential to overcome difficulties and gain success.
  5. Connect: executing moves in time with a partner requires precise coordination and trust to ensure safety and fluidity.

Keywords

  • Forward roll - a gymnastics move where you start in a standing position, tuck your head down, and roll forward on the ground like a somersault

  • Locomotion - moving the body from one place to another through a variety of controlled movements.

  • Safety - performing movements in a way which avoids harm, risk or danger.

Common misconception

With forward rolls, pupils may not tuck their chin, leading to discomfort. They may struggle to generate enough momentum to complete the roll.

Emphasise tucking the chin to protect the neck and practise rocking back and forth from a crouched position to develop momentum. Break each roll down into manageable steps.


To help you plan your year 7 physical education lesson on: Locomotion and partner work, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

When teaching rolls, start with rocking and balancing before moving on to full rolls. Break each roll down into manageable steps. By encouraging lots of peer assessment, pupils can make great progress without relying solely on the teacher. Encourage pupils to help each other.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 mat each

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.
When linking movements in a sequence, what should you try to perform with?
speed
noise
Correct answer: flow
Q2.
If you discuss ideas with your partner and listen to each other when developing sequences, what skill are you showing?
communication
strength
determination
Q3.
What can you vary in your sequence to make it more visually appealing?
Correct answer: levels
partner
flow
Q4.
What is a series of linked movements and balances called?
a skill
Correct answer: a sequence
suppleness

4 Questions

Q1.
Which part of our body should we roll on when performing a safe roll?
neck
head
Correct answer: shoulders
Q2.
Which of the following words best describes locomotion?
Correct answer: movement
balance
skill
Q3.
What part of the body are you protecting by tucking your chin when you perform a forward roll?
Correct Answer: the neck, neck
Q4.
What skill are you showing by continuing to try and learn how to do a forward roll even though you may find this difficult?
balance
Correct answer: resilience
communication