Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Gymnastics – Patner Balances Notes
Gymnastics — Partner Balances
Subject: Physical And Health Education (Kenyan primary schools) — Age: 11 years
- Explain what a partner balance is and why it is safe to do them correctly.
- Perform simple two-person balances: mirror, counterbalance and supported seat.
- Describe safety rules and help others as a spotter.
- Flat, clear space in the hall or field (use mats if available).
- Comfortable PE clothes and shoes or bare feet on a mat.
- A teacher or trained adult to teach and spot.
- Jog on the spot for 1 minute.
- Joint circles (ankles, knees, hips, shoulders) 8–10 times each.
- Gentle stretches: hamstrings, calves and shoulders (10–15 seconds each).
- Partner gentle stretches — hold partner's hands and lean back slowly to feel balance.
A partner balance is a shape or pose that two (or more) people make together. Each person uses their body and the partner's support to stay still and balanced. Partner balances build trust, strength and balance.
- Always use a mat or soft surface if someone lifts their legs.
- Start slowly and never force a position.
- Have a spotter (third person) for each new balance.
- Use clear signals: "Ready", "Lift", "Lower", "Stop".
- If someone feels pain, stop immediately.
Below are quick pictures to help you see the positions. Blue = base, orange = flyer.
Mirror Balance
Stand face-to-face, copy each other
Counterbalance
Lean away and hold hands
Supported Seat (Two-person)
One sits on the other's thighs, hold hands
1. Mirror balance (easy)
- Stand facing your partner about one arm's length apart.
- Copy each other's arm and leg positions slowly — like a mirror.
- Hold the position for 5–10 seconds and then release carefully.
Coaching tip: Keep eyes level and breathe. Good for balance and coordination.
2. Counterbalance (easy to medium)
- Stand back-to-back or side-by-side and hold each other's wrists or hands.
- Lean back slowly so your body weight pulls away from each other.
- Keep legs strong and feet flat on the floor. Hold 5–8 seconds.
Coaching tip: Use firm grip and keep straight backs. If one slips, both sit down together.
3. Supported seat (two-person)
- Base: Sit with knees bent and feet flat, ankles together. Lean back slightly.
- Flyer: Sit on the base's thighs, facing forward. Both hold each other's hands or wrists.
- Base supports the flyer's weight with thighs and hands. Hold then stand up together slowly if taught.
Coaching tip: Start with small lifts only when both partners are ready. Use mats.
4. Back-to-back stand
- Stand back-to-back close to each other.
- Bend knees slightly and link arms around each other's waists or hold hands behind each back.
- Straighten knees slightly together to feel the balance. Hold for 5–10 seconds.
Coaching tip: Keep feet shoulder-width apart for a good base.
- Start by practicing each partner skill near a wall for safety.
- Use short holds (3–5 sec) then increase time as you get stronger.
- Add simple movements (lift one leg, change arm positions) when stable.
- Demonstrate each balance first, then let pupils try in pairs, with spotters.
- Group pupils by similar size and strength for easiest learning.
- Use praise and give simple corrections (e.g., "knees bent", "look forwards").
Ask each pair to try one balance. Tick each item:
- Started with warm-up and used a mat.
- Used a spotter for the first attempt.
- Kept a safe grip and did not force position.
- Held the balance for at least 5 seconds.
Give feedback: green (good), amber (needs work), red (unsafe — repeat with teacher).
- Warm-up together (5 minutes).
- Pairs practice mirror and counterbalance (6–8 minutes) with a spotter watching.
- Pairs show one safe balance to the teacher and receive one thing to improve (5 minutes).
Practice mirror balance with a family member for 5 minutes. Talk about how you felt and write one sentence about safety.
Balance, base, flyer, counterbalance, spotter, support, trust, mat.