KS2 · Physical education · Year 5
Counter tension
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 tension balances with a partner on apparatus.
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Counter tension: 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 tension balances with a partner on apparatus.
Key learning points
- Move: quality counter tension balances require pulling away from our partner, holding the balance still and extending.
- Think: ensuring our counter tension balances are creative involves using two different levels and connection points.
- Think: evaluation helps plan how to use different body parts to create counter tension balances on apparatus.
- Feel: creating counter tension balances requires integrity as we strive to create quality ideas on apparatus.
- Connect: trusting our partner is vital as we pull away from each other and hold the counter tension balance still.
Words to know
- counter tension balances
- a pulling 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
- interesting
- different levels and different connection points in the balance
Common mistakes
One pupil pulls harder or doesn’t pull enough, leading to an imbalance and collapse of the position. Pupils do not have a secure grip with one another
Encourage pupils to communicate with their partners pulling gently at first, then increase force gradually to find the balance point. Encourage pupils to grip using wrists as an alternative to hands.
For parents, carers and teachers
- Introduce simple counter tension positions, such as seated pulls or back-to-back leans, before progressing to more complex balances. It may be useful to do some trust exercises such as a trust fall activity or blindfold exercises if you think the group need to develiop trust in one another.