Instructions
The lunge is a Body Management Skill that requires balance, lower body strength and co-ordination. It involves a large step forwards or sideways, usually to control momentum.
- Start with the feet together, hands by the side and eyes looking forward
- Step forwards or sideways with one foot taking the weight onto that foot
- Bend the knee over toes, keeping the other leg straight
- Use the arms to assist balance
- Both feet remain flat on the floor
- Hold position for a count of 3
Safety
Ensure…
- children perform the movement with a straight back and ‘Angry Cat’ shoulders
- the surface is dry
Opportunity to develop
- Co-ordination
- Balance
- Strength
- Body awareness
Physical Development Area of Learning
- contributes to ‘Personal’ and ‘Adventurous and physical play’ skills sections
If you see
| Observation | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wobbles and falls off balance | Body twists to the side. Feet in straight line, not wide enough base. | Hold onto a partner or chair to balance. Use markers to show where to place feet. |
| Heels come off the floor | Feet too far apart | Use markers to show where to place feet |
Can you see?
- the child holding a balanced lunge position?
- the child holding the position without falling over?
- the child showing an upright body posture?
- the child using their arms to balance?
- the child’s hips facing forwards?
-
Mostly No
- Practise standing tall and developing a straight body position
- Standing with arms by the side, step forward onto left and then right foot
- Star shape on the mat with straight arms and legs – perform lying on the mat and then standing up
-
Yes and No
- Walk around the space in a star shape
- Step onto left and right foot and push back to a standing position
- From standing, star shape and take a little step to the left and right; push back to standing
-
Mostly Yes
- From standing, position step forwards with one foot, trying to step further away each time keeping heels on the floor.
- Stand straight, rise onto toes and fall off balance, tip forwards or sideways, break fall by lunging forwards. Use arms to assist balance. Hold lunge position.
-
Challenge
- Lunge along a line, step forward alternately, then close eyes keep on the line
- Lunge walk, forwards, backwards, lifting knees up, heels up, close eyes
- Lunge holding a ball at waist height, twist to move ball over lead leg, repeat on opposite side, then close eyes, then in response to a range of cues