Somersaults and routine development
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can build safely towards a forward rotation with support.
Key learning points
- Move: tucking the body at the apex (top) of the jump allows for optimal rotation.
- Move: keeping the body straight during the take off will maintain alignment and prevent movement when rotating.
- Think: reflecting on your own capabilities to set a realistic target leads to maximum success and engagement.
- Feel: awareness to focus on mastery of a skill builds resilience.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
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
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which is correct body form when landing in a back landing?
Q2.Which is the correct name for a front landing into a back landing?
Q3.Which skill do we develop by supporting less confident peers?
Q4.Which is correct for the head position in a back landing?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How many degrees in a full somersault?
Q2.What do we build if we keep working for skill mastery?
Q3.Which body part tucks into the chest during forward rotation?
Q4.What can too much power on a forward somersault lead to?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Somersaults and routine development, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Somersaults and routine development, 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 4 physical education lessons from the Gymnastics: technique, body control and constructive feedback in trampolining unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.