1. Chapter 22
Balancing

2. Chapter 22 Key Points Balancing
Defined in Webster as “stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis” and an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements
Elementary children experience two types of balancing challenges
Static balance (little or no movement)
Dynamic balance (while moving)

3. Types of Balance Static Balance
Maintaining a desired shape in a stationary position
Examples: handstand, headstand
Dynamic Balance
Maintaining an in‑balance position while moving, starting, or stopping
Examples: weight transference, jumping, throwing, traveling

4. Chapter 22 Key Points Teaching Balance
Effective learning experiences considerations:
Easier to balance over wide base of support than a narrow base.
Center of gravity should be aligned over base of support for a stationary balance
Counterbalance requires extensions to one side of the body beyond the base of support with extensions in the opposite direction

5. Chapter 22 Key Points Teaching Balance (cont) Precontrol Level Tasks
Children usually achieve balance coincidentally
A focus on exploration of weight bearing and stillness, such as use of different body parts as bases of support and stopping in balanced position
Control Level Tasks
Where children can demonstrate holding stationary supports for several seconds
Balance on more narrow bases of support
Balance in inverted positions on apparatus

6. Chapter 22 Key Points Teaching Balance (cont) Utilization Level tasks
Focus on static balances on variety of equipment and various bases of support
Balancing in dynamic
Combining balancing with locomotor and weight transfer
Developing sequences of movement on both floor and apparatus

7. Chapter 22 Key Points Teaching Balance (cont) Proficiency Level Tasks
Balancing on inverted and narrow bases
Moving in and out of stationary balances with changes in time
Dynamic balances on and off narrow equipment

8. Chapter 22 Key Points Teaching Balance (cont) Activities found in text
Identifies Tasks
Identifies Challenges
Assessment ideas found throughout chapter

9. Progression Spiral for Developing the Skill Theme of Balancing
PROFICIENCY LEVEL
Performing apparatus sequences that combine stationary balances and traveling with movement concepts
Transferring off equipment with weight on hands
Balancing on hanging ropes
Balancing while supporting the weight of a partner
UTILIZATION LEVEL
Performing sequences that combine stationary balances and traveling on mats
Performing inverted balances on equipment
Traveling into and out of balances by rolling
Moving out of and into balances by stretching, curling, and twisting
Balancing on crates
CONTROL LEVEL
Balance boards
Balancing on stilts
Balancing sequence
Traveling while balanced
Traveling on large apparatus
Stationary balances on equipment
Traveling and stopping in balanced positions
Doing kickups
Alignment of body parts
Performing inverted balances
The Gymnastics Dance
Balancing in different body shapes
Balancing symmetrically and nonsymmetrically
Counterbalance
Tightening the gymnastics muscles
Balancing on different bases of support
PRECONTROL LEVEL
Balancing on boards
Traveling on low gymnastics equipment
Balancing on a wide base of support