Skill Drill Gymnastics Activities for Year 7

Timed challenge to set up apparatus safely following specific rules and procedures

Progressive apparatus work where students explore and create sequences jumping along, over, and from gymnastics benches, incorporating take-off skills, flight shapes, and balance elements

Progressive practice of cat spring technique from floor level to springing over low objects, developing hand placement, hip drive and controlled landing

Progressive stations developing cat spring technique from floor level through to springs over objects and partners

Students work collaboratively to create original gymnastics sequences using compositional devices (canon, unison, mirroring) and incorporating weight on hands and travelling movements

Partners create sequences combining counter-balances at different levels (high, medium, low) with travelling movements and smooth transitions

Groups of 6 collaborate to create a gymnastics sequence featuring crossing pathways with variations in direction, level, and speed, then evaluate each other using technical vocabulary

Groups of four use a gym mat held vertically as a barrier between two students who cannot see each other. One person creates a body shape/position, and two mat-holders must describe it precisely so the person on the other side can duplicate the position exactly without seeing it. Tests systematic description, precise body position language, and collaborative communication.

Groups of four explore and create symmetrical and asymmetrical counter balance positions at different levels

Create sequences of three jumps using different take-off methods and shapes, with partner evaluation using technical vocabulary

Technical practice session where students master one-foot and two-foot take-off techniques while creating clear flight shapes, with structured partner evaluation using gymnastics vocabulary

Students work in pairs to create gymnastic sequences incorporating safe leapfrogging and other movements, developing flight skills and partner coordination

Students rotate between playing and coaching roles, providing specific technical feedback to peers based on assigned observation focus areas

Students explore spinning on different body parts (points and patches) while developing understanding of levels and controlled rotation

Partner activity where students learn fundamental counter-balance principles through seated-to-standing rises using push and pull forces

Structured practice of forward and side rolling techniques using progressive stations

Systematic teaching and practice of six gymnastic jump variations focusing on safe landing technique, body shapes, and control

Master the elegant step and sweep turning technique to create graceful transitions and pathway changes in gymnastics sequences

Progressive stations activity developing one-foot and two-foot take-offs with defined flight shapes and partner evaluation

Essential safety training establishing and practicing the tapout procedure for partner-based physical activities, emphasising immediate response and personal responsibility for partner safety

Partners create and hold counter balances at three distinct levels (low, medium, high) while exploring asymmetrical body shapes and weight distribution

Systematic exploration of symmetrical counter tension balances at low, medium and high levels, developing understanding of oppositional forces, partner trust and balance principles

Groups create and perform a dramatic unison movement representing a sudden collision or impact, responding to a drum beat with synchronized, powerful movement

Pairs use tablets to record each other performing a skill (3 attempts), then analyse the video together using specific criteria to provide constructive peer feedback and identify improvement areas