KS3 · Physical education · Year 7
Point and patch balances
Gymnastics: body control and paired sequences
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can hold my body weight on different parts of my body and perform counter balance and counter tension holds with a partner.
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Point and patch balances: 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 hold my body weight on different parts of my body and perform counter balance and counter tension holds with a partner.
Key learning points
- Move: maintaining equal weight distribution between each partner ensures stability and balance.
- Move: holding weight on hands requires an engaged core to keep the body aligned and prevent strains.
- Think: holding your own/your partner's weight on different body parts is important when performing paired balances.
- Feel: repeated practice with a partner builds up confidence to try more complex balances.
- Connect: counterbalancing with a partner requires trust and clear communication to maintain counter tension.
Words to know
- counter balance
- a pushing balance where we maintain the desired shape in a stationary position completely still
- counter tension
- a pulling balance where we maintain the desired shape in a stationary position completely still
- stability
- keeping your body steady and balanced while performing skills or holding positions
Common mistakes
Pupils may think that a partner balance is a counter balance. One pupil pulls harder or doesn’t pull enough, leading to a collapse of the position. Pupils do not have a secure grip with one another.
Show the difference between a partner balance and a counter balance. Encourage pupils to communicate with their partners pulling gently at first, then increase force gradually to find the balance point. Grip using wrists as an alternative to hands.
For parents, carers and teachers
- Always focus on the fundamentals before moving to more complex skills. Introduce simple counter tension positions, e.g. seated pulls/back-to-back leans before progressing. Trust exercises help such as blindfold exercises if the group need to develop trust in one another. Consider partner selection.