Angry Cat

Body Awareness

‘Angry Cat’ is a Body Schooling Activity that develops a correct body posture for safe rolling. It also develops shoulder strength and flexibility which is important for gymnastics skills such as handstands and cartwheels.

Body Awareness is a child’s ability to recognise, use and name various body parts on command in four postural positions: standing, kneeling, sitting and lying. The child will be able to control a specific body part, performing a specific action, at a specific time, in a specific place/space and in a specific way. As children become more and more skilful they will also be able to explain why this movement/action is required.

Straight Shape

Star Shape

A straight shape is a Foundation Shape which involves the body being aligned as straight as possible. The shape can be made lying down, standing up, in a jump, or inverted in a handstand. A straight shape is integral to many other sporting skills so it is essential that children can adopt a straight shape instinctively.

A star shape is a Foundation Shape which involves the body being fully extended with legs and arms as wide as possible. The shape can be made lying down, standing up, in a jump or wheeled in a cartwheel.

Balance (one foot)

Climbing

A static balance held with one foot flat on the floor using arms to achieve stillness. It is important to be able to achieve this balance for dressing, hopping, skipping, kicking and dodging.

Climbing is achieved by alternately gripping with and pulling on arms and pushing legs. Efficient climbing allows children to explore their surroundings and satisfy their inquisitive nature.

Pushing an Object

Log Roll

Objects are usually pushed with the aim of moving that object from one place to another. Pushing can involve the upper or lower body. The upper body can be used to push a trolley or pram, the lower body can be used to push or ride a scooter or bike. Heavier objects require more force to be applied.

A log roll is a full rotation of the body from head to foot. The roll involves a straight body lying on the floor with legs stretched and arms extended above the head. It is important in trampolining, diving and gymnastics.

Pulling an Object

Lunging

Pulling requires good balance, grip, good upper body strength and a strong, firm base. An object is usually pulled to move the object from one place to another.

The lunge is a Body Management Skill that requires balance, lower body strength and coordination. It involves a large step forwards or sideways usually to control momentum.

Dodging

Arch Shape

Dodging is a quick transference of weight from one foot to the other. It is used to deceive or flee from an opponent or evade an obstacle. It is important in invasion games.

The Arch Shape is a Foundation Shape that is important for developing upper body and arm strength, flexibility as well as core stability.

Tuck Shape

Trap the Mouse

Tuck shape is important to rolling, somersaulting developing core stability.

Trap the mouse is the position required to develop core stability.

Dish Shape

Front Support

The dish shape is important to developing core stability.

The Front Support is a Foundation Position that is important for developing upper body and arm strength as well as core stability.

Back Support

Ready Position

The Back Support is a Foundation Position that is important for developing upper body and arm strength, flexibility as well as core stability.

The ‘Ready’ position is stance used to react as quickly as possible from. It can be used from stationary or from moving.

Pivot

Rapid Reactions

A foot pattern used to change direction quickly. There are two types of pivot the forward and reverse pivot. The reverse pivot is particularly important in Netball and Basketball.

Being aware of a range of cues and being prepared to react as quickly as possible to those cues.