Lesson 6 - Arm Balances and Strength Control
Sun Salutations to Personal Flow
•Year 6
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our breath and focus to develop strength and control in challenging yoga poses?
Learning Objectives
- To develop strength and control through arm balance poses
- To link yoga poses with smooth, controlled transitions
- To maintain balance whilst transitioning between challenging poses
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled arm balance poses with proper alignment
- Students will create flowing sequences that incorporate arm balances
- Students will show improved strength, balance and mindfulness through yoga practice
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in rows with enough space between for movement
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for individual spaces
Place at stations around the room for easy reference
Alternative: Printed photos or teacher demonstration
Set at low volume to create calming atmosphere
Alternative: Phone speaker or ambient instrumental music
Available for students ready for additional challenge
Alternative: Written descriptions of advanced poses
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
Yoga poses where body weight is supported primarily by the arms and hands
A focused gaze point that helps maintain balance and concentration
A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions
Focused awareness of the present moment, thoughts, and sensations
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic yoga poses and breathing techniques
- Understanding of balance and body awareness
- Experience with mindfulness and focus exercises
Current Skills
- Arm balance techniques and progressions
- Controlled transitions between poses
- Advanced strength and stability work
Next Steps
- Creating personal yoga sequences
- Teaching poses to others
- Exploring more advanced yoga practices
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise gradual progression through arm balance stages - never rush
- Use drishti (focused gaze) to improve balance and concentration
- Maintain slow, controlled breathing throughout all poses and transitions
- Focus on strength building and proper alignment over advanced poses
- Create supportive, non-competitive environment where effort is valued
- Integrate mindfulness and body awareness throughout the practice
- Ensure partner collaboration enhances learning for both participants
Common Misconceptions
- Arm balances are only for strong or flexible people - correct by showing progressions accessible to all
- Holding breath makes poses easier - teach that steady breathing provides stability and strength
- Faster movements look more impressive - emphasise that slow, controlled movement shows true skill
- Yoga is not 'real' exercise - explain how it builds functional strength, flexibility and mental focus
- Everyone should be able to do the same poses - celebrate individual progress and different starting points
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter holds initially, frequent position changes, clear boundaries and expectations, partner support
dyspraxia
- Extra demonstration time, simplified sequences initially, support with spatial awareness and body positioning
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and predictable structure, quiet space available, visual schedule of lesson stages
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of poses, partner guidance for spatial awareness, tactile cues for alignment
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all poses and breathing techniques, written instruction cards, clear visual cues
physical disability
- Modified poses using chairs or props, focus on upper body strength within individual capability, adaptive positioning
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following and giving instructions, descriptive language for poses and feelings, communication skills in partner work
Maths
Counting breaths and timing, understanding of balance and symmetry, spatial awareness and positioning
Science
Understanding anatomy and how muscles work together, effects of breathing on body systems, balance and centre of gravity
PSHE
Mindfulness and mental wellbeing, cooperation and communication, self-awareness and personal development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to observe all students, position near groups needing support
Observation Focus
Watch for proper progression through arm balance stages, safe technique, and mindful breathing
Intervention Points
Step in if students attempt poses too advanced for their level or show signs of strain
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate poses clearly, emphasise safety and gradual progression, model mindful breathing and focus
Verbal Cues
- •'Keep your drishti steady'
- •'Move slowly and breathe'
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'Progress gradually'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 6m clear space, with yoga mats providing individual practice areas
Surface Check
Non-slip yoga mats on clean, even floor surface free from hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are properly positioned and non-slip
- •Ensure instruction cards are laminated and safe
- •Verify audio equipment volume is appropriate
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Wrist strain from arm balances
- •Falls from attempting poses too quickly
- •Muscle strain from forcing poses
- •Dizziness from breathing exercises
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise gradual progression through arm balance stages
- •Teach proper warm-up and preparation
- •Monitor students for signs of strain or discomfort
- •Ensure adequate spacing between practitioners
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during arm balance attempts
- •Monitor breathing exercises for any distress
- •Watch for students pushing beyond safe limits
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aid personnel if needed