Lesson 3 - Understanding and Developing Flexibility
Understanding Fitness: From Assessment to Personal Progress
•Year 6
•Health Related Fitness
•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 does flexibility training benefit our bodies and sporting performance?
Learning Objectives
- Understand the meaning of flexibility and its impact on body movement
- Perform a variety of flexibility exercises with correct technique
- Explain why flexibility is important for health and sports performance
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate understanding of flexibility terminology
- Students will complete a flexibility circuit with proper form
- Students will identify sports that require high levels of flexibility
Equipment & Resources Required
Place one card at each circuit station
Alternative: Create simple instruction sheets
Mark boundaries for each station
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk circles
One mat per station for floor exercises
Alternative: Towels or designated floor areas
Visible to all students for timing stations
Alternative: Whistle with verbal time calls
Optional for creating calm atmosphere
Alternative: None required
Key Vocabulary
The range of movement possible at a joint or series of joints
The extent of movement possible at a joint in any direction
A stretch held in one position for a period of time
Stretching through movement, taking joints through their range of motion
The ability of muscles to stretch and return to their original length
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of warm-up importance
- Experience with simple stretching movements
- Knowledge of major muscle groups
Current Skills
- Understanding flexibility terminology
- Performing static and dynamic stretches
- Assessing flexibility levels
- Working cooperatively in pairs
Next Steps
- Advanced flexibility training methods
- Sport-specific flexibility routines
- Creating personal fitness programmes
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Flexibility is the ability of muscles to stretch and joints to move through their full range
- Stretch to feel the muscle working, never to the point of pain
- Breathing normally during stretches is essential for effectiveness and safety
- Regular flexibility training helps prevent injuries and improves daily movement
- Partner encouragement and support enhances learning and safety
- Different sports and activities require different types of flexibility
- Flexibility benefits both athletic performance and everyday activities
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking flexibility is only important for gymnasts - emphasise benefits for all activities
- Believing stretching should be painful - teach 'comfortable discomfort' versus pain
- Assuming flexibility can't be improved - show that regular practice increases range of motion
- Thinking boys don't need flexibility - emphasise universal benefits regardless of gender
- Believing stretching is boring - show variety and connect to interests
- Assuming static stretching is the only type - introduce dynamic flexibility concepts
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear station boundaries, regular movement between activities, use timer for structure, provide partner support
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, provide extra demonstration time, allow longer practice periods
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of circuit stations, allow familiar partner pairing, offer quiet space if overstimulated
visual impairment
- Use tactile guidance for stretching positions, verbal descriptions of all movements, partner support for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all exercises, written instruction cards, hand signals for timing and transitions
physical disability
- Adapt stretches for seated position, use resistance bands for assisted stretching, modify range of motion as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing vocabulary for body parts and movement, articulating feelings and experiences
Maths
Timing exercises, counting repetitions, measuring flexibility improvements over time
Science
Learning about muscles, how they work, and the effects of exercise on the body systems
PSHE
Understanding the importance of physical health, developing cooperation and encouragement skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously around circuit to monitor all stations, position for maximum visibility of student technique
Observation Focus
Watch for stretching intensity, partner cooperation, correct breathing, and safe transitions
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if stretching too aggressively, if partners not cooperating, or if technique unsafe
Demonstration Notes
Use own body to show correct stretching technique, emphasise slow controlled movements, model partner encouragement behaviour
Verbal Cues
- •'Stretch to feel it working, not to cause pain!'
- •'Keep breathing normally during stretches!'
- •'Great encouragement from partners!'
- •'Hold that stretch and feel the muscle lengthening!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area 20m x 15m minimum for circuit setup
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, check for wet areas, ensure mats are secure
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats for tears or slippery undersides
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify station cards are clearly readable and secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overstretching leading to muscle strain
- •Loss of balance during stretching
- •Collisions during circuit transitions
- •Holding breath during stretches
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise 'stretch to feel it, not to pain' repeatedly
- •Ensure adequate space between circuit stations
- •Teach proper breathing technique during stretches
- •Monitor all stretching for appropriate intensity
- •Partner system provides support and safety
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all circuit stations
- •Move continuously to monitor technique
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or discomfort
- •Ensure partner cooperation and support
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students continue safely