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Lesson 6 - Balance and Rhythm Over Obstacles

Movement Skills Exploration

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Year 1

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we stay balanced and move smoothly when jumping over obstacles?

Learning Objectives

To develop balance and rhythm when travelling over obstacles
To demonstrate controlled landings with soft knees
To link running and jumping movements with continuous rhythm

Key Outcomes

Students will jump and land with control using soft knee technique
Students will maintain balance while travelling over various obstacles
Students will demonstrate good sportsmanship during competitive activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Various spacing for different activities - 0.5m apart for footwork patterns

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk circles

Hurdles

Lowest height setting, stable base, positioned at end of cone lines

Alternative: Skipping ropes held by cones, pool noodles, agility poles

Speed Ladders

2-4

Lay flat on ground, squares approximately 40cm apart

Alternative: Chalk ladder drawn on ground, masking tape squares

Hoops

10-15

Flat on ground for stepping/jumping targets

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, carpet squares

Ropes

6-8

Lay flat as obstacles to step/jump over

Alternative: Ribbon, masking tape lines, pool noodles

Key Vocabulary

Soft knees

Bending your knees slightly when jumping and landing to absorb impact and maintain balance

Rhythm

A steady pattern of movement that flows smoothly from one action to the next

Take-off

The moment when both feet leave the ground to begin a jump

Landing

When your feet touch the ground after jumping, with control and balance

Obstacle

Something that blocks your path that you need to go over, under, or around

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic jumping on two feet
Walking and jogging with control
Following simple movement instructions
Understanding stop and go commands

Current Skills

Controlled jumping and landing technique
Maintaining balance over obstacles
Linking running and jumping movements
Competitive behaviour and sportsmanship

Next Steps

Jumping for distance and height
More complex obstacle combinations
Running technique development
Team relay strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent soft knee landings

Smooth rhythm over multiple obstacles

Positive competitive behaviour

Self-directed practice and improvement

Key Teaching Points

Bend your knees on take-off and landing for safe, controlled movement
Keep a steady rhythm through all footwork patterns - don't rush
Land lightly on the balls of your feet to maintain balance
Use your arms for balance and coordination during all activities
Good sportsmanship means supporting everyone, not just your team
Focus on technique first, then gradually increase speed
Watch and learn from others - everyone has something to teach

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must jump as high as possible - emphasise control over height
Belief that faster is always better - stress technique over speed
Assumption that winning is most important - highlight effort and improvement
Thinking that mistakes are bad - frame as learning opportunities
Belief that only some students are 'good at PE' - emphasise individual progress

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules, positive reinforcement system, choice in footwork patterns

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, breaking skills into smaller steps, physical guidance where helpful

autism spectrum

Clear routine and predictable structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent instructions and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of obstacle layout, buddy system for navigation, tactile exploration of course

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards, visual cues for group changes

physical disability

Seated versions of footwork patterns, modified obstacles at wheelchair height, adapted jumping activities, focus on upper body coordination

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, learning new vocabulary, expressing ideas about movement

Maths

Counting jumps and patterns, measuring distances between cones, understanding fractions in rhythm

Science

Forces involved in jumping and landing, gravity effects, how muscles work during exercise

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition, supporting others, personal achievement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position at corner during races for visibility of all teams

Observation Focus

Monitor landing technique continuously, watch for rhythm development, assess competitive behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if landing technique unsafe, guide group dynamics if negative, adjust challenge level for individuals

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, contrast good vs poor technique, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Soft knees, soft knees!' during all jumping activities
•'Find your rhythm!' during footwork patterns
•'Great sportsmanship!' when observing positive behaviour

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 20m clear area for obstacle activities and group work

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, non-slip floor covering preferred

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Mini hurdles set to lowest height and checked for stability
•Cones placed securely with no sharp edges
•Skipping ropes laid flat to prevent tripping
•All equipment appropriate size for Year 1 students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during jumping activities
•Collisions between students during group activities
•Overexertion during competitive elements
•Equipment strikes if thrown or misused

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate space between groups
•Progressive skill building from walking to jogging to controlled running
•Emphasis on technique over speed throughout all activities
•Equipment checks before and during activities
•Clear instructions for turn-taking and group management

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all groups during footwork patterns
•Move between groups during practice to provide individual feedback
•Focus on hurdle area during race activities for safety
•Monitor energy levels and provide rest as needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional help if required