Using walls to move
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform tic tacs and wall runs with control, correct foot placement and appropriate use of momentum.
Key learning points
- Move: a controlled tic tac requires appropriate momentum and strong legs to change direction and redirect impact.
- Move: wall runs require an effective approach speed, correct foot placement and upward/horizontal drive for distance.
- Think: tic tacs and wall runs can be used to overcome vertical obstacles in parkour.
- Feel: demonstrating resilience helps in overcoming difficulties when learning complex skills.
- Connect: supporting others by providing constructive feedback develops a sense of community and a safe environment.
Keywords
Tic tac - a movement where you step off a vertical surface, like a wall or rail, to change direction or gain height
Wall run - a technique where you run at a vertical wall, place one foot on it and push upward to reach a ledge, grab point or higher surface
Momentum - the force and speed you build up when moving
Common misconception
Poor foot placement on the wall when performing tic tacs and wall runs can result in poor technique and a weak push off. Poor control on landing is also a common issue with Tic Tacs and Wall Runs.
Use visual cues (e.g. chalk marks or splat spots/cones) on the wall to show the ideal contact point. Also use markers to indicate where to land and teach pupils to land quietly and stick their landing.
Teacher tip
These skills require confidence, so break the skills down, focusing on practising foot placement and push off in isolation before committing to the full move. Do not use the skipping ropes if you feel that pupils cannot use them responsibly. If using them, ensure they are held lighlty, not gripped.
Equipment
Chalk/tape/splat spots (gripped and not slippy) for marking landing zones, SAQ hurdle 1 between 4/5
Content guidance
Additional qualification required
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How far do you rotate when performing a lazy spin?
Q2.Which muscles help increase your rotational speed when performing movements that involve spinning?
Q3.In how many movements should a vault be performed?
Q4.Where should your head be in relation to your hands in a cartwheel vault?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which attribute would help you the most if trying to overcome difficulties when learning complex skills?
Q2.At what height should your dominant foot be placed on the wall when performing a wall run?
Q3.What word do we use to describe the force and speed you build up when moving?
Q4.At what angle should you run towards the wall when performing a horizontal wall run?
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Using walls to move, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Using walls to move, 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.