KS2 · Physical education · Year 6
Controlling the body: balance and control
Parkour: developing confidence and creative movement
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can perform both static and dynamic balances on rails and benches showing accuracy, control and coordination.
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Controlling the body: balance and control: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.
What you’ll learn
I can perform both static and dynamic balances on rails and benches showing accuracy, control and coordination.
Key learning points
- Move: walking on a rail requires core stability and proprioception to place the feet accurately.
- Move: balance requires ankle strength and stability to keep the body centred over the rail.
- Think: correct foot placement is what keeps you safe and makes it easier to balance for a longer distance.
- Feel: the more relaxed you can be, the easier it is to balance.
- Connect: working with a partner can help you relax and build up skill safely.
Words to know
- balance
- the ability to maintain control of the body’s position while still or moving, especially on narrow or unstable surfaces
- proprioception
- the body’s ability to sense its position and orientation in space without relying on visual input
- stability
- the ability to maintain control of your body during movement, landings or when holding a position
Common mistakes
Pupils often look directly down at their feet which shifts their head forward and throws them off their centre of gravity. Pupils are often overly tense when balancing.
For safety in parkour, pupils should focus just in front/ahead of their feet. Pupils should stay relaxed especially in their arms and shoulders.
For parents, carers and teachers
- Pupils should be told not to step on the supports at the end of the benches as this may tip them. They should use the central section of the beam. If balancing on something taller than knee height, pupils should reach their hands to the rail/obstacle when falling to control their descent.