Lesson 4 - Linking Cartwheels
Dynamic Transitions & Asymmetry
•Year 5
•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 smoothly combine gymnastics skills to create flowing sequences that demonstrate excellent control and precision?
Learning Objectives
- Perform a sequence of actions to smoothly link 2 cartwheels to perform a double cartwheel
- Give and receive constructive feedback for sequences and work to improve performance
- Link skills taking weight on hands in preparation for next part of the sequence
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully demonstrate linked cartwheels with smooth transitions and controlled movements
- Students will provide specific, constructive feedback to peers and apply feedback to improve their own performance
- Students will show understanding of weight transfer and body positioning in gymnastics sequences
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in lines with clear pathways for cartwheel practice
Alternative: Crash mats or thick exercise mats
Place in straight lines to guide cartwheel direction and spacing
Alternative: Chalk lines or tape marks
Lay flat on mats to create visual guidelines for straight-line cartwheels
Alternative: Chalk lines or tape strips
Positioned for students who need height assistance with cartwheel entry
Alternative: Low boxes or foam blocks
Mark boundaries and create relay race courses for warm-up activities
Alternative: Bean bags or markers
Key Vocabulary
Two cartwheels linked together as one continuous movement with no extra steps between them
Body positions where one side is different from the other, creating visual interest and challenge
The controlled movement of body weight from one support point to another
Connecting movements smoothly without pauses or extra steps
A series of gymnastics movements performed in a specific order to create a routine
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students can perform basic travelling movements on hands and feet
- Students understand weight transfer from feet to hands
- Students can perform simple balances and rolls
- Students can work safely in gymnastics activities
Current Skills
- Linking two cartwheels smoothly without extra steps
- Maintaining control and body position throughout sequences
- Providing and receiving constructive feedback
- Creating sequences with asymmetrical elements
Next Steps
- Incorporating cartwheels into longer, more complex sequences
- Adding height and speed variations to cartwheel combinations
- Developing group choreography and partner work
- Advanced gymnastics skills such as handspring preparations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Smooth transition between cartwheels with no extra steps is the key to successful double cartwheels
- Landing on one foot from first cartwheel directly leads into second cartwheel without pause
- Maintaining straight-line direction requires focus on hand placement and body alignment
- Constructive feedback must be specific and helpful, focusing on one clear improvement area
- Safety through progressive skill building - master single cartwheels before attempting doubles
- Quality and control are more important than speed or complexity in gymnastics sequences
- Peer support and encouragement create positive learning environment for challenging skills
Common Misconceptions
- That double cartwheels require extra speed - actually they need controlled rhythm and timing
- That both hands must be placed simultaneously - hands go down one after the other for control
- That feedback should focus on everything wrong - effective feedback highlights strengths and one improvement
- That gymnastics is only for naturally flexible students - all students can develop skills with practice
- That sequences must be complex to be good - simple, well-executed sequences are more effective
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, movement breaks, clear boundaries, regular positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, increased practice time, step-by-step breakdown, visual movement guides
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule cards, quiet zones available, consistent expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured rope guidelines, verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for hand placement
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, clear visual cues, written instruction cards, peer partnerships for communication
physical disability
- Modified movements using available range of motion, seated variations, adapted equipment height
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development with gymnastics terminology, descriptive language for feedback and evaluation
Maths
Counting seconds for balance holds, measuring distances for cartwheel spacing, geometry of body positions and angles during movement
Science
Forces and motion in cartwheel execution, lever principles in weight transfer, momentum and acceleration in linked movements
PSHE
Resilience and perseverance when learning challenging skills, confidence building through achievement, supportive peer relationships
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of activity area with clear sight lines to all working groups and cartwheel stations
Observation Focus
Watch for smooth transitions between cartwheels, maintenance of straight-line direction, and safe landing techniques
Intervention Points
Step in when students attempt skills beyond their ability, when spacing becomes unsafe, or when feedback becomes unhelpful
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all cartwheel variations slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students who show good technique as additional demonstrators. Show common mistakes and corrections clearly.
Verbal Cues
- •'Land on one foot, straight into the next cartwheel!'
- •'Keep those legs extended and hips high!'
- •'Follow the line - straight and controlled!'
- •'One specific thing they did well, one thing to improve!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m hall space with 2m clear boundaries around equipment
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats are flat, secure, and free from tears
- •Ensure benches are stable and appropriate height
- •Verify skipping ropes are untangled and safe
- •Check cones and markers are not damaged
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during cartwheel attempts
- •Collisions between students
- •Overconfidence leading to unsafe skill attempts
- •Shoulder and wrist strain from weight-bearing
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between students
- •Progressive skill development from simple to complex
- •Bench assistance for students lacking confidence
- •Constant supervision and technique monitoring
- •Emphasis on control over speed or complexity
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all cartwheel attempts
- •Monitor spacing and direction of movements
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or loss of control
- •Intervene immediately if unsafe techniques observed
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required