Balances

Balances are all of the still positions in gymnastics. Dont think of only handstands and headstands young children should be encourage to explore different ways of controlling their bodies. Get the children to balance in different positions using different body parts. Set tasks such as balance using one hand and one foot, use two hands and one knee etc. Other simple balances include T stand, V sit, mushroom balance and shoulder balance.

Jumping

Include a variety of the 5 jumps. Teach landing techniques and let the children jump from different equipment as well as jumps on the floor. Encourage jumping onto, off and over. For floor 1/4 jumps and 1/2 jumps can be included to link movements in later sequences so it is good to teach these at an early stage. Shape jumps include tuck, pike and star - these can be performed from a bench, table or box top.

Important points to remember when teaching landings are:

·         initial contact with the floor should be on the balls of the feet, followed by bending of the ankles, knees and hips

·         feet should be about shoulder width apart when making contact with the floor/mat.

Rotations

There are 3 main ways to rotate. Forward/backwards rolls are round the transverse axis, standing full turn is around the vertical axis and a cartwheel is round the antero posterior axis.

Chilren should be given a chance to experience all types of rotations. When teaching a forward roll try starting children off standing ona bench and rolling onto a large safety mat (crash mat), this makes rollong easy as the hips are high. For backwards rolls set up benches (3/4) on the wall bars - high enough to create a slope and cover with a safety mat. The children can then roll down the slope again making the roll easier by having the hips high at the start of the movement.

Climbing and hanging

Climbing and hanging skills help children to develop body tension and grip strength and confidence. Children love the wall bars and ropes so get them out and let them explore.