KS2 · Physical education · Year 5
Counter balance on apparatus
Gymnastics: counter balance and counter tension
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can create and develop a variety of quality counter balances with a partner on apparatus.
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Counter balance on apparatus: 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 and develop a variety of quality counter balances with a partner on apparatus.
Key learning points
- Move: quality counter balances require pushing against our partner or the apparatus and holding still with extension.
- Think: evaluation helps to create a variety of ways to use apparatus and create two different levels in our balances.
- Think: using different body parts to push against as we create counter balances on apparatus requires creativity.
- Feel: being motivated to try lots of ideas, ensuring quality counter balances on apparatus requires integrity.
- Connect: trusting others to give accurate feedback helps us to add quality of our counter balances on apparatus.
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
- apparatus
- equipment made for a particular task
Common mistakes
Pupils may struggle with balance due to weak core muscles. Pupils may always want to use the same apparatus in the same area.
Add some core strengthening exercises into the warm up and emphasise the importance of core strength in all activities. Encourage pupils to use a range of apparatus throughout the lesson to develop their confidence.
For parents, carers and teachers
- The equipment list is a suggestion. If you do not have wallbars for example, you could use more benches or any other equipment you have. If pupils struggle with uneven weight distribution, focus on couner balances in isolation rather than movements out of balances and linking balances together.