Lesson 4 - Counter Tension Balances
Partner Balancing: Counter Balance and Counter Tension Mastery
•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 use counter tension to create excellent and interesting gymnastic balances with our partners?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and apply the concept of counter tension in paired gymnastics balances
- To create interesting counter tension balances using different levels and connection points
- To demonstrate excellent gymnastics by showing control, extension and fluidity in movements
Key Outcomes
- Students will create effective counter tension balances with their partners
- Students will demonstrate understanding of what makes gymnastics excellent
- Students will give and receive constructive feedback on gymnastic performances
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread evenly around hall with clear pathways between
Alternative: Crash mats or carpet tiles for floor work
Mark boundaries and safe working areas
Alternative: Bean bags or markers
Position for clear sound throughout hall
Alternative: Tablet or phone with portable speaker
Key Vocabulary
A type of balance where partners pull against each other to create stability
Stretching body parts to create clean, controlled lines
The parts of the body that link with your partner
The height at which movements and balances are performed
Smooth, continuous movement between positions
When partners perform the same movement at different times
When partners perform movements at exactly the same time
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Creating individual balances with control
- Understanding basic gymnastic positions
- Working safely with partners in simple activities
Current Skills
- Understanding counter tension as a pulling balance
- Creating paired balances with different levels
- Using various connection points safely
Next Steps
- Combining counter tension with counter balance
- Creating complex sequences with multiple balance types
- Developing advanced partner synchronisation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety first - always grip wrists, never hands or fingers
- Counter tension requires both partners to pull equally to create the balance
- Excellent gymnastics shows control, extension and silent movement
- Different levels make counter tension balances more interesting and challenging
- Flow into balances is as important as holding the final position
- Good feedback helps partners improve and builds positive relationships
- Communication and trust are essential for successful partner work
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking counter tension means pushing instead of pulling - correct by demonstrating the pulling action clearly
- Believing holding hands is safer than wrist grips - explain why wrists provide better, safer grip
- Assuming counter tension only works at the same level - show variety of level combinations
- Thinking excellent gymnastics is only about the final position - emphasise importance of movement quality throughout
- Believing peer feedback should only point out problems - model positive, constructive feedback approach
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear physical boundaries, immediate feedback and praise
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for gripping techniques, simplified position choices, adult support for partner coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual timetable, predictable partner pairings, quiet reflection zones available
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of counter tension concept, tactile demonstration of wrist gripping, buddy support for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, hand signals for feedback
physical disability
- Seated counter tension variations, adapted gripping techniques, wheelchair-friendly balance modifications
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, clear communication with partners, descriptive language for movement
Maths
Symmetry and reflection in balanced positions, understanding levels and spatial relationships
Science
Forces and motion - understanding tension and balance, how muscles work in pairs
PSHE
Cooperation and trust, giving and receiving feedback constructively, building positive relationships
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all pairs, moving to support individual partnerships as needed
Observation Focus
Priority on safe gripping techniques, then quality of counter tension, then creative development
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe gripping, provide support for struggling partnerships, celebrate excellent examples
Demonstration Notes
Use confident student partnerships for demonstrations, always model safety first, exaggerate key teaching points visually
Verbal Cues
- •'Grip wrists, not hands!'
- •'Both partners pull equally!'
- •'Show me that excellent extension!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or gymnasium, minimum 10m x 15m clear space
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Mats checked for tears or damage before use
- •Cones positioned to mark boundaries clearly
- •Music equipment positioned safely away from movement area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from counter tension positions
- •Wrist strain from incorrect gripping
- •Collisions between pairs working too close together
Risk Mitigation
- •Insist on wrist gripping only, never hands or fingers
- •Maintain adequate spacing between pairs
- •Progress gradually from simple to complex positions
- •Continuous supervision of partner matching
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all pairs simultaneously
- •Circulate to check gripping techniques
- •Monitor partner communication and cooperation
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on 'STOP' call, assess any injuries, appropriate first aid response