Movement skills/concepts

Static balance, counterbalance, body and space awareness, problem solving and relationships (with others).

Set-up

Benches, box tops, mats and balls.

Children are in pairs of approximately the same height and size. Each pair has a mat or a defined area to work in.

Activity

With a partner, explore how many ways you can balance. Repeat with only one base of support for each partner.

Repeat one more time, this time without using your foot as a base of support (e.g. using back or hands).

Can you balance with your partner – on a line, bench/box top, or crash pad with only …?

• two feet on the ground
• two hands and one foot
• one foot and two knees
• one back and one foot

With your partner, can you be the shape of …?

• an apple tree
• a yacht
• a letter of the alphabet – try A, D, G, J, P, U – or a number

Can you perform the ‘dead bug carry’? One partner kneels on all fours and the other lies on their back on top. The person underneath then moves around.

Create a sequence of balances, moving smoothly from one balance to another. In groups of 3 or 5, create a pyramid

Can you see …?

• counterbalance
• wide base of support
• slow control when engaging and disengaging
• pairs matched for height and weight

You could ask …

What do you need to do to balance with your partner safely and under control? How can you and your partner counterbalance?

Variations

Vary equipment: Balance in pairs using a ball or rope.

Mirror image balances: In pairs, each partner mirrors the other’s shape.

COOL DOWN/ CLOSURE

Review Skill/Activity, stretching, and questions.