Point and patch balances
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can hold my body weight on different parts of my body and perform counter balance and counter tension holds with a partner.
Key learning points
- Move: maintaining equal weight distribution between each partner ensures stability and balance.
- Move: holding weight on hands requires an engaged core to keep the body aligned and prevent strains.
- Think: holding your own/your partner's weight on different body parts is important when performing paired balances.
- Feel: repeated practice with a partner builds up confidence to try more complex balances.
- Connect: counterbalancing with a partner requires trust and clear communication to maintain counter tension.
Keywords
Counter balance - a pushing balance where we maintain the desired shape in a stationary position completely still
Counter tension - a pulling balance where we maintain the desired shape in a stationary position completely still
Stability - keeping your body steady and balanced while performing skills or holding positions
Common misconception
Pupils may think that a partner balance is a counter balance. One pupil pulls harder or doesn’t pull enough, leading to a collapse of the position. Pupils do not have a secure grip with one another.
Show the difference between a partner balance and a counter balance. Encourage pupils to communicate with their partners pulling gently at first, then increase force gradually to find the balance point. Grip using wrists as an alternative to hands.
Teacher tip
Always focus on the fundamentals before moving to more complex skills. Introduce simple counter tension positions, e.g. seated pulls/back-to-back leans before progressing. Trust exercises help such as blindfold exercises if the group need to develop trust in one another. Consider partner selection.
Equipment
1 mat each
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What should you always move with when changing speed during your sequence?
Q2.What will help us build up to performing more complex balances?
Q3.What skill would be most useful when improving the quality of your sequences?
Q4.What position should you start a forward roll in?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following would be defined as a ‘patch’ balance if you performed a balance only supported by this part of the body?
Q2.Which muscles would be most useful when contracted to help with stability in both a counter balance and counter tension balance?
Q3.Counter balances and counter tension balances require excellent communication skills when working with our partners. What other skill is equally important?
Q4.When performing a counter tension balance with your partner, which action helps you to create stability?
To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: Point and patch balances, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: Point and patch balances, 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 3 physical education lessons from the Gymnastics: body control and paired sequences unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.