Balance and precision in action
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can confidently perform both static and moving balances on rails and benches demonstrating accuracy, precision and control.
Key learning points
- Move: balancing confidently requires core stability, proprioception and good posture to maintain control.
- Think: maintaining balance demands sustained concentration to ensure that movements are performed with precision.
- Feel: overcoming balance challenges results in a sense of accomplishment and increased confidence.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
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
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What do you have to demonstrate in order to agree on appropriate Parkour challenges for each other?
Q2.What part of the foot should you land on when performing a running precision?
Q3.What type of jump involves moving from two feet to two feet?
Q4.Which body part has to be correctly placed for a successful running precision?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What part of the bench should you not step on for safety reasons?
Q2.Which of the following helps you most when trying to balance with control?
Q3.What word is used to describe the body’s ability to sense its position and orientation in space, without relying on visual input
Q4.What sort of foot action should you use when performing dynamic balances?
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Balance and precision in action, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Balance and precision in action, 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 Parkour: control, confidence and creativity unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.