Partner balances, pyramids and group sequences

1Gymnastics together

In acrobatic gymnastics, pairs and small groups perform balances, dance and tumbling together, often to music. The gymnasts have different jobs:

• Bases are strong and steady. They support the others.
• Tops are usually smaller and lighter. They are lifted or balanced on the bases.
• In bigger groups, middles balance on a base and support the top at the same time.

In a human pyramid, each row holds up the row above it, and each row has one more person than the row above, which makes a triangle. The lighter pupils go higher, and the stronger, heavier pupils go at the bottom.

2Warm up

Jog in pairs, copying your partner's moves like a shadow. Then: 10 seconds in a front support, 10 seconds in a table (on hands and knees with a flat back), 5 cat and camels, and wrist circles. Practise making the flattest, strongest table you can while your partner checks that your back is flat.

3Partner balances

There are two kinds. In a counter-balance, you lean towards each other and push. In a counter-tension balance, you lean away from each other and pull.

1. Palm push (counter-balance): face your partner and put your palms together at chest height. Both take small steps backwards and lean in, keeping your bodies straight. Hold for 5 seconds.
2. Seesaw sit (counter-tension): face your partner and hold wrists. Slowly lean back together with straight arms, then both sit down to the floor and stand up again, without letting go.
3. Side star (counter-tension): stand side by side, holding inside hands with straight arms. Lean away from each other and lift your outside arm and leg into a star. Hold for 5 seconds.
4. Table and arabesque: the base makes a strong table. The top stands beside the base, puts both hands on the base's shoulders, and lifts one straight leg behind, like a flying bird. Hold for 3 seconds, then swap jobs.

Partner rules: agree on a stop word first, move slowly, and always come out of a balance together.

4Build a pyramid safely

A 3-person pyramid: two bases make tables side by side, touching at the shoulders and hips. The top climbs on gently from the side, with hands on the bases' shoulders and knees on their hips, one knee on each base. Everyone counts together: "One, two, three, hold!" Hold for 3 seconds. Then the top climbs down carefully, and only then do the bases stand up.

A 3-2-1 pyramid (6 people): three bases make tables side by side. Two middles kneel on them, each with hands and knees on the shoulders and hips of the two bases below. The lightest pupil climbs up last and kneels on the two middles. In school, the top always kneels and never stands up.

• Build from the bottom up: bases first, then middles, then the top.
• Take down from the top: the top comes down first, then the middles, then the bases.
• Never collapse a pyramid on purpose, and never jump off it.
• A spotter stands beside every pyramid, and your teacher must be watching.

5Make a group sequence

In groups of 4 to 6, make a sequence about one minute long:

1. Start together in a still shape (unison).
2. Travel with a roll, one after another (canon).
3. Show two partner balances.
4. Build a pyramid, hold it for 3 seconds, and take it down safely.
5. Finish together in a still shape.

Other groups watch and give feedback on safety, timing and holds.

6Cool down

Sit back to back with your partner and breathe slowly together. Then stretch your wrists, shoulders and back, and thank your group.

Try it yourself

Try each one first, then tap Show answer to check.