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Lesson 5 of 6
  • Year 10

Somersaults and routine development

I can build safely towards a forward rotation with support.

Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
  • Year 10

Somersaults and routine development

I can build safely towards a forward rotation with support.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: tucking the body at the apex (top) of the jump allows for optimal rotation.
  2. Move: keeping the body straight during the take off will maintain alignment and prevent movement when rotating.
  3. Think: reflecting on your own capabilities to set a realistic target leads to maximum success and engagement.
  4. Feel: awareness to focus on mastery of a skill builds resilience.
  5. Connect: communicating positive encouragement to others will support, motivate and build confidence.

Keywords

  • Forward turnover - a skill where the athlete rotates forward 225 degrees, often from a standing position

  • Somersault - a movement where the body rotates 360 degrees in the air, typically forwards or backwards, in a complete flip

  • Tuck - bringing your knees into your chest, in the air, to hold the position tightly

  • Travel - a somersault going off centre, often caused by a lean/fall at take off

Common misconception

Pupils believe that landing a somersault is achieved through speed of rotation.

A somersault does require some speed, but if too much power is placed on the take off, it can lead to over rotation. A somersault will appear controlled with a balanced take off and the rebound of the trampoline initiating the hips for the rotation.


To help you plan your year 10 physical education lesson on: Somersaults and routine development, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Cycle 2 of this lesson will be determined by the level of teaching qualification. Please use accordingly. If level 1 only, revisit mastery of the drop combinations. Remain aware of possible issues when wearing socks on some surfaces.
Teacher tip

Equipment

floor mats, trampolines, martial arts belt, skipping ropes, post it notes

Content guidance

  • Additional qualification required
  • Risk assessment required - equipment

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.
Which is correct body form when landing in a back landing?

Correct answer: still
floppy
curved

Q2.
Which is the correct name for a front landing into a back landing?

collation
connection
Correct answer: combination

Q3.
Which skill do we develop by supporting less confident peers?

Correct answer: empathy
dedication
passion

Q4.
Which is correct for the head position in a back landing?

chin to chest
Correct answer: slightly up
back

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
How many degrees in a full somersault?

225
320
Correct answer: 360

Q2.
What do we build if we keep working for skill mastery?

respect
Correct answer: resilience
reassurance

Q3.
Which body part tucks into the chest during forward rotation?

Correct answer: head/chin
shoulders
hips

Q4.
What can too much power on a forward somersault lead to?

Correct Answer: over rotation