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Lesson 5 - Inverted Movements and Body Tension

Body Tension & Control

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Year 4

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Gymnastics

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1h 10min

Big Question

How can body tension help us control and improve our inverted movements?

Learning Objectives

To develop strength and control in inverted movements
To understand how body tension improves movement quality
To create and evaluate sequences including inverted movements

Key Outcomes

Students will perform progressions of inverted movements with improved control
Students will plan and perform sequences incorporating different gymnastics actions
Students will provide constructive feedback on performances

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Distributed around hall with adequate spacing for safety

Alternative: Crash mats, yoga mats, or carpet tiles for practice areas

Cards

1 per group of 4-6 students

Available for reference during practice sessions

Alternative: Printed teaching points or displayed on interactive board

Video Resources

1 device for demonstration

Pre-loaded and ready to play for skill demonstrations

Alternative: Teacher demonstration or peer modelling

Key Vocabulary

Inverted movement

A gymnastics action where the hips go above the head

Body tension

Squeezing muscles to create strength and control in movements

Progression

A step-by-step way to build up to a complete skill

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another with smooth transitions

Shoulder stand

An inverted balance where weight is on shoulders and upper back

Bridge

An inverted position supporting body weight on hands and feet with chest facing up

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body shapes and balances
Simple rolling movements
Understanding of starting and finishing positions
Basic partner work and cooperation

Current Skills

Shoulder stand progressions
Bridge progressions
Body tension and control
Sequence building with inverted movements
Peer assessment and feedback

Next Steps

Advanced inverted movements like handstands
Complex sequence choreography
Group formations and synchronized movements
Independent coaching and teaching skills

Milestone Indicators

Maintains body tension for 5+ seconds in inverted positions

Shows smooth transitions between movements

Provides specific, helpful feedback to peers

Demonstrates understanding of safety principles

Key Teaching Points

Shoulders take the weight in shoulder stands, never the neck
Body tension is achieved by squeezing muscles throughout the movement
Progression-based learning - build strength before attempting full skills
Partner feedback should be positive first, then constructive
Inverted movements require whole-body strength and coordination
Safety is paramount - stop if there's any discomfort
Quality of movement is more important than height or duration

Common Misconceptions

That inverted movements are only about upper body strength - actually require core and leg strength too
That you should push into painful positions - should feel challenging but never painful
That everyone should achieve the same level - individual progression is normal and expected
That advanced variations are better - proper technique at appropriate level is what matters
That feedback should focus on what's wrong - positive feedback builds confidence and motivation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks built in, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Extra time for coordination, simplified movement patterns, additional physical support and practice

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson phases, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Detailed verbal descriptions of body positions, tactile guidance for hand placement, partner assistance for positioning

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written teaching points displayed, sign language support if available

physical disability

Seated adaptations of inverted concepts, upper body strength alternatives, modified progression options

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving constructive feedback, following instructions

Maths

Counting and timing during holds, angles and body shapes, spatial awareness and positioning

Science

Forces and movement - gravity acting on body, muscle groups and body systems during exercise

PSHE

Resilience and perseverance when learning challenging skills, supporting others and teamwork

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups during practice, position centrally for demonstrations, ensure clear sight lines

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique, appropriate progression levels, partner interaction quality, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in if technique becomes unsafe, provide additional support for struggling students, redirect if off-task

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations showing progression steps, highlight key body positions, emphasise safety aspects

Verbal Cues

•'Shoulders strong, never neck!'
•'Squeeze those tummy muscles!'
•'Hold for 5... 4... 3... 2... 1!'
•'Partners help each other!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or gymnasium with minimum 15m x 20m clear space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for inverted movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Mats checked for adequate thickness and positioning
•No damaged or worn mats that could cause slipping
•Resource cards/videos pre-checked and ready

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Neck strain in shoulder stands
•Wrist pressure in bridge positions
•Falls from inverted positions
•Collision with others during movement

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise shoulders taking weight, never neck
•Progression-based approach - build strength gradually
•Partner system for spotting and feedback
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between students
•Immediate stop instruction if pain or discomfort

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during inverted practice
•Monitor closely during first attempts at progressions
•Check hand and shoulder positioning in bridges
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if serious injury