Balance Judges: Score the 3-Second Hold
In groups of four, one gymnast performs balances from a card while three judges score them like a meet: a 3-second hold, body line, and controlled entry and exit. Students work on body control, technical observation, and respectful scoring.
How to play
- Make groups of 4 with two mats, six balance cards (airplane, V-sit, side plank, shoulder stand, frog stand, and standing Y), and an observation checklist (2 min).
- Explain the scoring: each judge gives 0 to 3 points, one for a 3-second still hold, one for body line, and one for a controlled entry and exit (2 min).
- Judging round: the gymnast performs the six balances; after each one the three judges hold up their fingers at the same time and the total is recorded. Then rotate the gymnast role (10 min).
- After each round, the judge with the lowest score explains what they saw, so the gymnast knows what to improve.
- Finish: each student links their four best balances into a sequence and repeats it, trying to raise their score (6 min).
Rules
- Judges score at the same time and do not talk first, so they do not influence each other.
- Scores are explained by what was seen, never by comments about the person.
- The shoulder stand and frog stand are always done on a mat.
- Take turns: only one gymnast per mat at a time.
Variations
Easier
Use four cards and hold each balance for 2 seconds.
Standard
Six balances with a 3-second hold and 0 to 3 points per judge.
Harder
Hold for 5 seconds and add a point for linking two balances without touching down with another body part.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can be head judge or perform seated balances, such as a V-sit with hand support.
- Shyness: let the student perform only for their group and skip showing the final sequence to the class.
- Fitness level: each card has an easier version, such as the airplane with one hand on the wall.
Learning goals
- Hold different static balances with control.
- Observe and score technical performance using clear criteria.
- Give and receive feedback respectfully.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 12
- challenge cards: 36
- observation checklists: 6
Teacher tip
Judges usually score too high at first, so demonstrate two examples to calibrate. Circulate and ask groups why they gave each score.
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