New
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Lesson 5 of 6
  • Year 9

Using walls to move

I can perform tic tacs and wall runs with control, correct foot placement and appropriate use of momentum.

Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
  • Year 9

Using walls to move

I can perform tic tacs and wall runs with control, correct foot placement and appropriate use of momentum.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: a controlled tic tac requires appropriate momentum and strong legs to change direction and redirect impact.
  2. Move: wall runs require an effective approach speed, correct foot placement and upward/horizontal drive for distance.
  3. Think: tic tacs and wall runs can be used to overcome vertical obstacles in parkour.
  4. Feel: demonstrating resilience helps in overcoming difficulties when learning complex skills.
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 9 physical education lesson on: Using walls to move, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

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

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.
How far do you rotate when performing a lazy spin?

360 degrees
Correct answer: 180 degrees
90 degrees

Q2.
Which muscles help increase your rotational speed when performing movements that involve spinning?

triceps
Correct answer: core muscles
quadriceps

Q3.
In how many movements should a vault be performed?

3 movements
2 movements
Correct answer: 1 continuous movement

Q4.
Where should your head be in relation to your hands in a cartwheel vault?

above your hands
Correct answer: below your hands
level with hands

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which attribute would help you the most if trying to overcome difficulties when learning complex skills?

Correct answer: resilience
humour
independence

Q2.
At what height should your dominant foot be placed on the wall when performing a wall run?

knee to ankle
shoulder to hip
Correct answer: knee to waist

Q3.
What word do we use to describe the force and speed you build up when moving?

Correct Answer: momentum

Q4.
At what angle should you run towards the wall when performing a horizontal wall run?

Correct Answer: 45 degrees