Lesson 5 - Headstand & Cartwheel Skills
Individual to Team Mastery
•Year 6
•Gymnastics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our bodies to create controlled inverted movements that demonstrate strength, balance and coordination?
Learning Objectives
- To perform progressive headstand movements with control and proper body alignment
- To execute cartwheel sequences using the correct hand-foot pattern
- To demonstrate safe supporting techniques when working with partners
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform headstand progressions 1-4 with increasing confidence and control
- Students will execute cartwheels using the foot-hand-hand-foot-foot pattern
- Students will create a 5-action sequence incorporating two inverted movements
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread evenly around teaching space with clear pathways between
Alternative: Yoga mats, crash mats, or thick carpet tiles
Position around hall perimeter for cartwheel practice
Alternative: Low boxes, vault boxes, or sturdy platforms
Distribute to pairs during headstand practice
Alternative: Laminated instruction sheets or poster displays
Optional for creating base stations and movement patterns
Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags, or chalk marks
Key Vocabulary
A gymnastic action where the body is turned upside down with feet higher than head
A triangle where all three sides are equal length - formed by head and two hands in headstand
Controlled tightness in muscles to maintain strong, stable positions
The contact points between body and floor that provide stability
A partner who provides safety support during gymnastic movements
A series of steps that gradually build towards a complete skill
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic balancing skills and body awareness
- Simple rolling and jumping movements
- Understanding of body tension and core strength
- Experience working safely with partners
Current Skills
- Progressive headstand movements from base to full extension
- Cartwheel technique using correct hand-foot patterns
- Partner supporting and spotting techniques
- Sequence creation linking inverted movements
Next Steps
- Advanced inverted movements including handstand variations
- Complex gymnastics sequences with apparatus
- Partner and group balances
- Competitive gymnastics skills and routines
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Headstand triangle base is crucial for stability and safety
- Progressive skill development prevents injury and builds confidence
- Partner support role is as important as performing the skill
- Cartwheel pattern must be maintained for proper technique
- Body tension and core strength underpin all inverted movements
- Controlled movements are more valuable than impressive height
- Sequence work develops creativity and performance skills
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking headstands require only arm strength - actually need whole body control
- Believing cartwheels should be fast - control and pattern matter more than speed
- Assuming partner support means holding all the weight - should provide stability only
- Focusing on advanced skills before mastering basics - progressions are essential
- Thinking gymnastics is only for flexible people - strength and practice are key
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short focused activities, clear physical boundaries, regular movement and active participation
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, enhanced verbal and visual cues for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, advance warning of activity changes, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Tactile guidance for hand and head positioning, detailed verbal descriptions of movements, partner support enhanced
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, clear visual cues for patterns and sequences
physical disability
- Adapted positions on chairs or standing, focus on upper body movements, modified balance challenges
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Geometric shapes (triangles), patterns and sequences, measuring time and space, angles of movement
Science
Forces and gravity in inverted movements, balance and centre of gravity, muscle groups and body systems
Art
Body shapes and forms, sequence composition, creative expression through movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and orientation, directions and positions, understanding of up/down/inverted concepts
PSHE
Perseverance and resilience, trust and cooperation, risk assessment and safety awareness
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during demonstrations, circulate during pair work, position to see all groups during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for correct headstand head position, triangle base stability, cartwheel pattern execution, safe partner support
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe techniques observed, partner support inadequate, or students attempting skills beyond ability
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use skilled students for examples, show progressions slowly, emphasise safety throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Crown of head down, not forehead'
- •'Push the floor away with your hands'
- •'Support gently, don't hold all their weight'
- •'Foot-hand-hand-foot-foot pattern'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 12m hall with clear floor space, adequate ceiling height for inverted movements
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface essential. Check for objects or wet areas before lesson
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Gymnastics mats checked for tears, adequate thickness for head/hand support
- •Benches stable and positioned away from walls
- •No loose jewellery or inappropriate clothing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during inverted movements
- •Neck strain from incorrect headstand technique
- •Collisions during cartwheel practice
- •Injuries from inadequate partner support
Risk Mitigation
- •Progressive skill development from simple to complex
- •Mandatory partner support during headstand progressions
- •Clear space boundaries and movement patterns
- •Emphasis on controlled movements over height or speed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all pairs during headstand practice
- •Check partner support techniques regularly
- •Monitor for signs of fatigue or loss of control
- •Ensure progression appropriateness for each student
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed