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Lesson 4 - Counter Tension Balances

Partner Balancing: Counter Balance and Counter Tension Mastery

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Year 5

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Gymnastics

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45 min

Big Question

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

Gymnastics Mats

1 per pair (15 mats)

Spread evenly around hall with clear pathways between

Alternative: Crash mats or carpet tiles for floor work

Cones

8-10

Mark boundaries and safe working areas

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound throughout hall

Alternative: Tablet or phone with portable speaker

Key Vocabulary

Counter tension

A type of balance where partners pull against each other to create stability

Extension

Stretching body parts to create clean, controlled lines

Connection points

The parts of the body that link with your partner

Levels

The height at which movements and balances are performed

Flow

Smooth, continuous movement between positions

Canon

When partners perform the same movement at different times

Unison

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

Consistent use of wrist grips for safety

Clear demonstration of pulling tension in balances

Smooth transitions into and out of counter tension positions

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