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Lesson 5 - Headstand & Cartwheel Skills

Individual to Team Mastery

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Year 6

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Gymnastics

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1h 13min

Big Question

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

Gymnastics Mats

15 (one per 2 students)

Spread evenly around teaching space with clear pathways between

Alternative: Yoga mats, crash mats, or thick carpet tiles

Gymnastics Benches

Position around hall perimeter for cartwheel practice

Alternative: Low boxes, vault boxes, or sturdy platforms

Cards

15 (1 per pair)

Distribute to pairs during headstand practice

Alternative: Laminated instruction sheets or poster displays

Cones

Optional for creating base stations and movement patterns

Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags, or chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Inverted movement

A gymnastic action where the body is turned upside down with feet higher than head

Equilateral triangle

A triangle where all three sides are equal length - formed by head and two hands in headstand

Body tension

Controlled tightness in muscles to maintain strong, stable positions

Base of support

The contact points between body and floor that provide stability

Spotter

A partner who provides safety support during gymnastic movements

Progression

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

Maintains stable triangular base in headstand progressions

Demonstrates correct cartwheel pattern consistently

Shows awareness of body position in space

Creates smooth transitions between movements

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