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Lesson 5 - Stand & Cartwheel Skills

Core Strength & Sequences

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Year 4

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Gymnastics

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53 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to create controlled balances and dynamic movements that show strength and coordination?

Learning Objectives

Develop controlled shoulder stands with proper tension and alignment
Progress cartwheel technique using sequential weight transfer
Apply balance and coordination skills in combination movements

Key Outcomes

Students will perform shoulder stands showing control and body tension
Students will demonstrate improved cartwheel technique with sequential hand placement
Students will combine movements showing smooth transitions and control

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

1 per pair (15 mats)

Spaced 2 metres apart around hall perimeter and centre

Alternative: Yoga mats or carpet squares

Dish Cones

5 per cartwheel station (25 total)

Set up in straight lines for cartwheel practice - spots A, B, C, D, E

Alternative: Laminated paper circles, bean bags

Wall Space

1 (optional)

For students who need additional support during shoulder stands

Alternative: Partner support

Key Vocabulary

Shoulder Stand

A balance position where weight is supported on shoulders with legs extended vertically

Body Tension

Muscles working together to create a firm, controlled body position

Sequential Placement

Placing hands down one after the other in order during cartwheel

Weight Transfer

Moving body weight smoothly from one body part to another

Pike Position

Body bent at hips with legs straight and together

Candle Rock

Rocking movement that flows from lying to shoulder stand and back to standing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic rocking movements on backs
Simple balance holds
Introduction to cartwheel hand placement
Understanding of body tension

Current Skills

Controlled shoulder stand technique
Sequential weight transfer in cartwheels
Combination movement patterns
Advanced balance control

Next Steps

Linking shoulder stands into forward rolls
Cartwheel variations and combinations
Handstand progressions
Complex sequence work

Milestone Indicators

Holds shoulder stand for 3+ seconds with control

Demonstrates clear weight transfer through hands in cartwheel

Shows smooth transitions between movements

Maintains body tension throughout skills

Key Teaching Points

Weight must always be on shoulders, never on neck during shoulder stands
Sequential hand placement in cartwheels - one hand then the other, never both together
Body tension is crucial for all gymnastics skills - tight muscles create control
Practice makes progress - celebrate improvement over perfection
Partner cooperation enhances learning for both students
Controlled movements are always safer and more effective than rushed attempts
Use momentum wisely in candle rocks - build it gradually through practice

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking faster movement means better gymnastics - emphasise control over speed
Belief that taking weight on neck is acceptable - constantly reinforce shoulder placement
Assumption that cartwheel hands go down together - teach sequential placement clearly
Idea that gymnastics is only for naturally flexible students - show it's about practice and technique
Misconception that partner work slows learning - demonstrate how cooperation accelerates progress

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break skills into very small steps, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks between intense focus periods

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination skills, simplified movement patterns initially, consistent verbal cues and demonstrations

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use tactile markers for cartwheel spots, provide detailed verbal descriptions of body positions, pair with sighted buddy for demonstrations

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for coaching cues

physical disability

Adapt shoulder stands to supported positions against wall, modify cartwheel to stepping pattern, focus on achievable progressions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles in body positions (90-degree shoulder stand), counting sequences in cartwheel progressions, measuring distances for spot placement

Science

Forces and motion in rocking movements, momentum and energy transfer in candle rocks, body systems working together for balance

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction in cartwheel lines, understanding of rotation and linear movement patterns

PSHE

Resilience when learning challenging skills, cooperation and communication with partners, celebrating effort over outcome

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively between pairs, positioning to see all shoulder stand attempts from side view to check shoulder/neck placement

Observation Focus

Watch for: weight distribution in shoulder stands, sequential hand placement in cartwheels, partner cooperation and safety

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if: weight goes onto neck in shoulder stands, cartwheel hand placement is unsafe, students attempt skills beyond their ability

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate skills slowly first, then at full speed. Use side-on position for shoulder stands to show proper shoulder/hip alignment clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Shoulders strong, neck safe!'
•'Hand, hand, foot, foot - in order!'
•'Control and flow, never rush!'
•'Help your partner succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall minimum 15m x 20m with height clearance of 3m+ for overhead movements

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from obstacles. Mats should lie flat without wrinkles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check mats are in good condition with no tears
•Ensure spot markers are flat and won't cause trips
•Verify adequate wall clearance for rocking movements

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Neck injury from incorrect shoulder stand technique
•Wrist injury from poor cartwheel hand placement
•Collision during partner work
•Falls from uncontrolled movements

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise weight on shoulders never neck in shoulder stands
•Teach progressive cartwheel build-up with secure hand placement
•Ensure adequate spacing between practice areas
•Stress controlled movements throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all shoulder stand attempts for neck safety
•Monitor cartwheel areas for proper hand placement
•Check partner work remains cooperative and safe
•Watch for fatigue affecting movement control

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any neck/head concerns. Have students sit down for any injury assessment. Ensure clear path to first aid if needed