Lesson 4 - Shoulder Balances & Sequences
Creative Sequences & Partner Work
•Year 4
•Gymnastics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we create flowing sequences that connect different types of balances with control and creativity?
Learning Objectives
- To create sequences moving seamlessly from front and back supports to other balances
- To form different shapes with legs whilst in shoulder balances
- To perform gymnastics movements with control and poise
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate smooth transitions between different balance positions
- Students will show varied leg shapes during shoulder balance holds
- Students will perform sequences with sustained control and good technique
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around hall with safe spacing
Alternative: Carpet tiles, yoga mats for practice
Placed at regular intervals for warm-up course
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops for marking positions
For timing apparatus setup and activities
Alternative: Smartphone timer, classroom clock
For capturing student performances for feedback
Alternative: Not essential but helpful for assessment
Key Vocabulary
Supporting body weight on shoulders with legs in the air
A series of movements performed one after another in order
The movement that connects one position to another
Calm, controlled and graceful movement
Using body parts to hold body weight
Legs wide apart to the sides
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic balancing on different body parts
- Simple front and back supports
- Understanding of balance and stability
Current Skills
- Shoulder balance techniques with leg variations
- Smooth transitions between balance positions
- Creating structured movement sequences
Next Steps
- Advanced partner balancing
- Complex gymnastic sequences on apparatus
- Flight elements and dynamic movements
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety in shoulder balances - weight on shoulders not neck
- Quality over quantity in sequence building
- Smooth transitions are as important as the balances themselves
- Creative exploration within safe boundaries
- Building confidence through progressive challenges
- Self-assessment and reflection skills development
- Positive peer feedback and encouragement
Common Misconceptions
- That neck should support weight in shoulder balance - emphasise upper back and shoulders
- That sequences should be rushed - focus on control and poise
- That apparatus work is just about height - explore creative positioning and angles
- That only advanced students can create good sequences - celebrate effort and creativity
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short, focused activities with regular movement, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Break down sequences into smaller steps, extra practice time, simplified movements
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual sequence cards, consistent routines, quiet spaces available
visual impairment
- Verbal descriptions of balance positions, tactile guidance for positioning, buddy system
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for feedback
physical disability
- Seated balance alternatives, adapted apparatus heights, focus on achievable movements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting to 5 for balance holds, geometry of body shapes, angles in balance positions
Science
Forces and balance, centre of gravity, how muscles work to maintain positions
Art
Body shapes creating visual patterns, sequence design as creative expression
PSHE
Building confidence, supporting peers, self-assessment and reflection skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around hall to observe technique closely, especially during shoulder balance work
Observation Focus
Weight distribution in balances, smooth transitions, safety awareness on apparatus
Intervention Points
Correct shoulder balance technique immediately, stop unsafe apparatus use
Demonstration Notes
Show all balances clearly, emphasise safety points, use students to demonstrate good examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Shoulders supporting, not your neck!'
- •'Smooth and controlled movements!'
- •'Hold it steady, count to five!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall space minimum 15m x 20m with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, mats placed securely for gymnastics work
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Gymnastics mats checked for tears and secure placement
- •Apparatus inspected before use and positioned safely
- •Adequate spacing between apparatus stations
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Neck injury from incorrect shoulder balance technique
- •Falls from apparatus
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Overexertion during advanced balance attempts
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise weight on shoulders, not neck throughout lesson
- •Proper warm-up including shoulder and neck preparation
- •Progressive skill building from floor to apparatus
- •Clear apparatus safety rules enforced consistently
- •Adequate supervision ratios for apparatus work
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe shoulder balance technique closely
- •Active monitoring during apparatus work
- •Immediate intervention for incorrect technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury suspected, clear protocols for neck injury concerns