Basic 3 · Physical Education · Rhythmic Skills

Balancing on a Beam While Moving

In this topic you will walk on a ground-level beam while moving or carrying an object.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand: Motor Skill And Movement
Sub-strand: Rhythmic Skills
Indicator: B3.1.5.1.6 – Balance while moving and manipulating an object on a ground-level balance beam

Gymnasts walk on a narrow beam. You will use a beam on the ground, so it is safe to practise.

Beam challenges

Level	Challenge
easy	walk forward with arms out
medium	walk sideways
harder	carry a beanbag in one hand
hardest	walk while bouncing a ball beside the beam

Safety: Use a beam on the ground only. Step off if you lose balance.

beam: A long narrow piece of wood for balancing.
heel to toe: Putting the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other.
sideways: Moving to the side.
control: Moving the body the way you want.

You need: Low wooden balance bench, Locally made ball, Smooth wooden stick

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

1. Where should you look on the beam?
- A. At the end of the beam
- B. At your feet only
- C. At the sky
- D. Behind you
Show answer
Answer: At the end of the beamLooking ahead helps balance.
2. Which is the hardest challenge?
- A. Bouncing a ball beside the beam
- B. Walking forward
- C. Standing still
- D. Stepping off
Show answer
Answer: Bouncing a ball beside the beamIt needs balance and ball control.
3. Arms out to the sides help balance.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueArms keep you steady.
4. Beginners should use a high beam.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseUse a ground-level beam.
5. A long narrow piece of wood for balancing is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: beamThat is a beam.
6. Write two tips for walking a beam.
Show answer
Answer: Any two: arms out, look ahead, heel to toe, walk slowly.These help balance.