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Lesson 2 - Rotation Jumps and Control

Body Tension & Control

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Year 4

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Gymnastics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to control rotation and land safely in gymnastics?

Learning Objectives

To develop control in performing and landing rotation jumps
To understand the principles of safe landing technique
To apply body awareness during rotational movements

Key Outcomes

Students will perform quarter, half and full turns with increasing control
Students will demonstrate consistent safe landing technique
Students will create and perform a balance-jump-balance sequence

Equipment & Resources Required

Base Stations

Distribute evenly around hall, ensure stable placement

Alternative: Small foam blocks, yoga blocks

Gymnastics Mats

One mat per two students initially, additional mats for bench work

Alternative: Crash mats for students needing extra support

Benches

Position against walls when not in use, mats placed in front for jumping

Alternative: Low boxes, agility tables for advanced students

Clues Document

Visible reference for teacher and students

Alternative: Laminated shape cards, wall posters

Tables

Only for students demonstrating consistent control from benches

Alternative: Higher platform for advanced students

Key Vocabulary

Rotation

Turning movement around an axis, measured in degrees

Landing position

Safe landing stance with bent knees, arms forward, feet shoulder-width apart

Body tension

Controlled muscle engagement to maintain strong, stable body shapes

Apparatus

Gymnastics equipment including benches, mats, and base stations

Sequence

A series of connected gymnastics movements performed in order

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic gymnastics shapes and balances
Simple jumping and landing techniques
Following safety rules with apparatus

Current Skills

Controlled rotation jumps (quarter, half, full turns)
Consistent landing position and technique
Sequence creation with balances and jumps

Next Steps

Complex rotation combinations
Partner synchronised sequences
Advanced apparatus work with rotations

Milestone Indicators

Lands 8/10 jumps without wobbling or taking extra steps

Maintains eye focus during rotation

Demonstrates clear body tension in balances

Key Teaching Points

Landing technique is the foundation of safe gymnastics - bent knees, arms forward, quiet contact
Rotation comes from the head - where your head goes, your body follows
Progress gradually from floor to height - master control before adding challenge
Partner feedback develops observation skills and builds supportive learning environment
Body tension in balances creates stability and control for sequences
Safety rules are non-negotiable - one person jumping at a time, apparatus checks, proper spacing
Individual challenge - not everyone needs to achieve the same level in the same lesson

Common Misconceptions

Students think rotation comes from twisting their body rather than leading with their head
Belief that landing hard shows power - actually demonstrates lack of control
Assumption that speed equals skill - rushing reduces technique quality
Misconception that everyone must progress to the highest level in one lesson
Thinking that apparatus work is automatically more dangerous than floor work
Belief that perfect performance comes immediately without practice and refinement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback systems, movement breaks between stations, clear visual boundaries

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger apparatus for easier targeting, step-by-step breakdown of complex skills

autism spectrum

Clear lesson structure with visual schedule, consistent routines, quiet practice areas available, advance warning of equipment changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured base stations, clear verbal descriptions of rotation directions, tactile markers for positioning, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations for all skills, hand signals for rotation directions, written instruction cards, clear visual cues for safety

physical disability

Seated rotation practice, adapted apparatus heights, modified landing techniques, alternative balance positions for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Understanding degrees in rotation (90°, 180°, 360°), counting rotation accuracy, measuring jump heights and distances

Science

Forces in jumping and landing, gravity effects, momentum in rotation, body systems during exercise

Geography

Directions and compass points in quarter/half turns, spatial awareness and positioning concepts

PSHE

Personal challenge and goal setting, resilience when learning difficult skills, cooperation and peer support

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between apparatus stations for maximum visibility, position for quick intervention at bench areas

Observation Focus

Landing technique consistency, rotation accuracy, safety awareness, partner cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe apparatus use, poor landing technique, or equipment movement

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all rotations clearly, exaggerate key technique points, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Bend those knees!'
•'Arms forward for balance!'
•'Whip your head around!'
•'Land quietly like a cat!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall minimum 15m x 20m with clear height for jumping, apparatus storage areas

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, dry conditions, no obstacles or hazards in jumping zones

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all mats are undamaged and lie flat
•Ensure base stations are stable and appropriate height
•Verify benches are secure and positioned correctly
•Confirm adequate mat coverage for all landing zones

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from height during bench jumping
•Collision between students during rotation
•Poor landing technique causing injury
•Apparatus movement during use

Risk Mitigation

•Maximum three students per bench with clear rotation system
•Adequate spacing between all apparatus
•Progressive skill building from floor to height
•Consistent emphasis on controlled landing technique
•Teacher positioning for maximum visibility and quick intervention

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sightlines to all apparatus
•Monitor high-activity areas including bench work
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique
•Ensure one student jumping at a time per station

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, secure area