Partner Balancing: Counter Balance and Counter Tension Mastery
•Year 5
•Gymnastics
•Arrange apparatus around hall with safe spacing between stations
Alternative: PE mats and portable equipment if apparatus unavailable
Place under and around apparatus for safety
Alternative: Yoga mats or PE mats
Pre-prepared with key assessment criteria
Alternative: Simple peer assessment cards
A balance where partners support each other by leaning away and using their combined weight
Stretching body parts to create long, elegant lines in gymnastics
Smooth, continuous movement from one position to another without stopping
When partners perform the same movement but at different times
When partners perform movements at exactly the same time
A series of connected gymnastic movements performed in order
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Counting 4-second holds, measuring apparatus spacing, exploring symmetry in balance positions
Forces and balance, centre of gravity in counter balances, physics of leverage and support
Planning and designing sequence structures, evaluating and improving compositions
Cooperation and trust in partnership work, giving and receiving constructive feedback
Move continuously between apparatus stations, spend time observing each pair's sequence development
Counter balance technique, flow quality, partner cooperation, and application of feedback
Step in when balances become unsafe, when pairs struggle with cooperation, or when technique needs correction
Use students as positive examples, demonstrate key techniques clearly, emphasise difference between excellent and adequate
School hall minimum 15m x 10m with apparatus storage, clear ceiling height 3m+
Clean, dry hall floor suitable for gymnastics, check for any wet spots or debris
Stop, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, contact school medical support if needed
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