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Lesson 3 of 6
  • Year 9

Balance and precision in action

I can confidently perform both static and moving balances on rails and benches demonstrating accuracy, precision and control.

Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
  • Year 9

Balance and precision in action

I can confidently perform both static and moving balances on rails and benches demonstrating accuracy, precision and control.

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

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

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: balancing confidently requires core stability, proprioception and good posture to maintain control.
  2. Think: maintaining balance demands sustained concentration to ensure that movements are performed with precision.
  3. Feel: overcoming balance challenges results in a sense of accomplishment and increased confidence.
  4. Connect: collaborating effectively with peers develops communication skills and demonstrates respect to achieve goals.

Keywords

  • 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

  • Posture - the body's alignment and control during movement is crucial for maintaining balance, efficiency and safety

Common misconception

Pupils often look down at their feet and lack core stability when balancing, which shifts their centre of gravity so they are off balance.

Pupils should focus on looking slightly forward on a stable point at eye level and learn how to engage their core when balancing.


To help you plan your year 9 physical education lesson on: Balance and precision in action, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Students must not be told to step on the supports at the ends of the benches as this can tip them; use the central beam. Spend longer on static balances if necessary as the ability to balance from a still position is crucial before moving to dynamic balances. Ensure distance between mats & walls.
Teacher tip

Equipment

benches or beams, rails (if school has a suitable area with rails outdoors), tennis balls, netballs 1 between 2

Content guidance

  • Additional qualification required
  • 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).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What do you have to demonstrate in order to agree on appropriate Parkour challenges for each other?

Correct answer: trust
arrogance
dishonesty

Q2.
What part of the foot should you land on when performing a running precision?

heel
toes
Correct answer: balls of feet

Q3.
What type of jump involves moving from two feet to two feet?

stride
Correct answer: plyo
hop

Q4.
Which body part has to be correctly placed for a successful running precision?

hand
head
Correct answer: foot

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What part of the bench should you not step on for safety reasons?

Correct Answer: the supports, supports

Q2.
Which of the following helps you most when trying to balance with control?

Correct answer: concentration
communication
agility

Q3.
What word is used to describe the body’s ability to sense its position and orientation in space, without relying on visual input

Correct Answer: proprioception

Q4.
What sort of foot action should you use when performing dynamic balances?

Correct answer: heel toe action
toe heel action
walk on toes