Lesson 5 - Cat Springs and Graceful Flight Sequences
Mastering Flight: From Individual Control to Collaborative Sequences
•Year 6
•Gymnastics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we combine cat springs with graceful turns to create dynamic flight sequences that flow beautifully?
Learning Objectives
- To perform cat springs with correct technique and control
- To link movements and jumps using different pathways and dynamics
- To evaluate others' performances using appropriate technical language
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute cat springs with low starting position and controlled landing
- Students will create sequences combining jumps, turns and pathway changes
- Students will use technical vocabulary to assess and improve performances
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged around apparatus stations
Alternative: Carpet tiles or exercise mats
Mark pathways and boundaries
Alternative: Markers or beanbags
For timing apparatus setup challenge
Alternative: Phone timer
For recording sequences for assessment
Alternative: Camera
Key Vocabulary
A forward jump from feet to hands then feet, staying low throughout flight
Variations in speed, force and flow of movements
The route or direction taken through space during movement
Performing the same sequence at different times like a round
Body position with straight legs and bent at hips
Body position with legs wide apart
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic jumping and landing techniques
- Simple turning movements
- Working safely with apparatus
Current Skills
- Cat spring technique
- Graceful transitional movements
- Sequence composition with dynamics
Next Steps
- Advanced flight combinations
- Competitive gymnastics skills
- Choreographing group routines
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Cat spring technique requires low starting position and controlled landing hands-first
- Graceful turning involves straight leg stepping with pointed toe and smooth arm action
- Dynamics in gymnastics include variations in speed, force and flow of movements
- Apparatus work must prioritise safety through proper setup and progressive skill development
- Canon timing requires listening skills and consistent sequence performance
- Peer observation develops technical vocabulary and supportive learning community
- Pathway awareness enhances spatial understanding and sequence composition skills
Common Misconceptions
- Cat springs should be high jumps - actually they should stay low throughout flight
- Turning is just spinning around - actually requires specific technique with arm and leg coordination
- Apparatus work is about difficult skills - actually about controlled, graceful movement
- Canon means everyone does different things - actually means same sequence at different start times
- Feedback should focus on mistakes - actually should highlight strengths and suggest improvements
- Gymnastics sequences are about individual performance - actually about group coordination and support
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity segments with clear transitions, movement breaks built in, specific roles during group work
dyspraxia
- Slower progression through skills, larger mats for confidence, extra practice time, simplified sequences
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet reflection spaces available, predictable apparatus setup routines
visual impairment
- Tactile demonstrations of cat spring position, clear verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for apparatus work
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, written instruction cards, hand signals for group formation
physical disability
- Adapted starting positions for cat springs, wheelchair-accessible apparatus, modified jumping movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, descriptive language for movement evaluation
Maths
Counting beats for canon timing, measuring distances for cat springs, angles of rotation in turns
Science
Forces and motion in jumping and landing, balance and centre of gravity in gymnastics
Art
Creating artistic sequences with flow and beauty, appreciating graceful movement aesthetics
Music
Rhythm and timing in canon work, dynamics matching musical concepts
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, building confidence, supporting others' learning
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between apparatus stations to monitor safety and provide feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct cat spring technique, graceful transitions, and safe apparatus use
Intervention Points
Step in when students attempt skills beyond their ability or when apparatus safety is compromised
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for cat spring technique, show graceful turning with emphasised arm movements
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay low in your cat spring!'
- •'Graceful arm sweep!'
- •'Control the landing!'
- •'Think about your pathway!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full sports hall minimum 15m x 20m for apparatus and sequence work
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check gymnastics apparatus stability before use
- •Ensure mats are placed securely around apparatus
- •Verify equipment is age-appropriate and well-maintained
- •Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during cat springs and apparatus work
- •Collisions during group sequences and canon work
- •Apparatus movement or instability
- •Overconfidence leading to unsafe skill attempts
Risk Mitigation
- •Progressive skill building from floor to low apparatus
- •Clear boundaries established for each group's working area
- •Adequate mats positioned around all apparatus
- •Constant supervision during apparatus activities
- •Peer spotting encouraged for advanced skills
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of apparatus stations
- •Monitor advanced skill attempts closely
- •Check apparatus setup and pack away procedures
- •Ensure safe group formation during activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, call for assistance if needed