Lesson 6 - Balance and Rhythm Over Obstacles
Movement Skills Exploration
•Year 1
•Athletics
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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
Various spacing for different activities - 0.5m apart for footwork patterns
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk circles
Lowest height setting, stable base, positioned at end of cone lines
Alternative: Skipping ropes held by cones, pool noodles, agility poles
Lay flat on ground, squares approximately 40cm apart
Alternative: Chalk ladder drawn on ground, masking tape squares
Flat on ground for stepping/jumping targets
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, carpet squares
Lay flat as obstacles to step/jump over
Alternative: Ribbon, masking tape lines, pool noodles
Key Vocabulary
Bending your knees slightly when jumping and landing to absorb impact and maintain balance
A steady pattern of movement that flows smoothly from one action to the next
The moment when both feet leave the ground to begin a jump
When your feet touch the ground after jumping, with control and balance
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
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