Instructions
The ‘Back Support’ is a Foundation Position that is important for developing upper body and arm strength, flexibility as well as core stability.
- Sit on the floor in the ‘Pike’ position
- Hands flat by sides and slightly behind
- Push hips to ceiling
- Keep body in straight line, ‘Trap the Mouse’
- Wrists below shoulders
- Show good body tension
- Hold position for 5–10 seconds
Safety
Ensure…
- the area is free from objects
- the surface is not slippery
Opportunity to develop
- Co-ordination
- Balance
- Motor Skills
- Accuracy
If you see
| Observation | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Child finds it difficult to balance | Insufficient core stability | Develop core stability, play cups and saucers |
| Child finds it difficult to maintain straight back | Insufficient core stability | Practise ‘Trap the Mouse’ |
Can you see?
- the child keeping hands flat?
- the child pushing hips to the ceiling?
- the child keeping shoulders directly above hands?
- the child keeping body in a straight line?
- the child showing good body tension?
- the child holding balance for 5–10 seconds?
-
Mostly No
- Practise ‘Crab’, ‘Trap the Mouse’
-
Yes and No
- Practise ‘Drawbridges’, ‘Spinning Crabs’
- Play Crabs and Scorpions
-
Mostly Yes
- Lift one leg off the floor
- Perform ‘Back Support’ with ‘Arch shape’
- Move from ‘Back Support’ to ‘Front Support’ keeping legs and back straight showing good body tension throughout
-
Challenge
- Hold ‘Back Support’, pick up and transfer cones from one place to another, including across body, etc. – use half a clock circle, eyes closed
- Touch right hand to left foot, then left hand to right foot maintaining good body tension
- Pick up a bean bag and place it on chest, take off with same hand or other hand, repeat using other hand
- As above but using a ball – try to keep ball from rolling off chest, eyes closed
- Resist gentle force applied by a partner and maintain balance, eyes closed
- Lift one arm off the floor