KS2 · Physical education · Year 5
Counter balance
Gymnastics: counter balance and counter tension
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can create a variety of quality counter balances with a partner.
1 of 10
Counter balance: 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 create a variety of quality counter balances with a partner.
Key learning points
- Move: quality pair counter balances require pushing against our partner and holding the balance still with extension.
- Move: linking high quality counter balances requires moving with fluidity and control.
- Think: interesting gymnastics challenges creative thinking on how to use two different levels and connection points.
- Feel: being able to rely on each other in our pair to work hard to create quality counter balances requires integrity.
- Connect: providing feedback to others to help improve the quality of our counter balances shows trust in one another
Words to know
- counter balance
- a pushing balance where we maintain the desired shape in a stationary position completely still
- quality
- the good characteristics of the performance that suggest the movements and balances are performed correctly
- creativity
- the ability to generate, imagine or produce new and original ideas, concepts or solutions
Common mistakes
Pupils may think that a partner balance is a counter balance. Pupils may struggle with counter balance due to unequal weight distribution. Pupils may struggle to trust their partner.
Show the difference between a partner balance and a counter balance. Pupils practice positions individually and work together to adjust the balance equally. Incorporate activities that require working together and communication to build trust.
For parents, carers and teachers
- Pupils should be matched for size and ability. If pupils struggle to perform balances individiually, focus on the fundamentals before attempting to move on to more complex skills such as counter balances. Use demonstrations (pupils if possible) to show what excellent gymnastics looks like.