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neurologyYou need to know

• The tuck shape requires knees tightly pulled to the chest, hands gripping the shins or knees and feet and toes pointed.
• The pike shape requires straight legs, toes pointed, the upper body folded at the hips and hands reaching towards or touching the legs.
• The straddle shape requires legs apart to the side and straight, and toes pointed.
• A static balance is most stable when the centre of mass is kept over a wide base of support, and increasing the number of points of contact increases stability.
• In partner balances, the base should be the stronger or larger student providing a wide, low base while the flyer maintains body tension.
• Shapes and balances are held steadily for at least three seconds.
• Extension means actively lengthening the limbs and pointing fingers and toes.
• Tension means engaging the core and limb muscles to keep the body still during shapes, balances, jumps, and transitions.
• Smooth transitions link movements fluently with minimal pauses, maintaining rhythm and flow throughout a sequence.
• In a forward roll, the chin is tucked, hands are placed flat, weight is pushed forward to roll over the upper back and shoulders, and the finish is in a controlled stand with feet together.
• In a backward roll, the chin is tucked, hands are by the ears with palms facing up, hips are lifted by pushing through the hands to roll over the shoulders (not the head or neck), and the finish is in a controlled stand with feet together.
• In a teddy bear roll, the performer starts seated in straddle, rolls sideways over one hip with legs remaining in straddle, and returns smoothly to the seated straddle without pushing off the floor with the hands.
• In a log roll, the body remains straight and tight with arms extended above the head, legs together and toes pointed, rolling sideways while maintaining the straight shape.
• Effective jumping uses coordinated arm swing and leg drive to generate height; more height gives more time to create clear shapes in the air.
• A safe, controlled landing features two feet approximately hip-width apart, force absorbed through bent ankles, knees, and hips, knees aligned over toes, and balance regained before presenting a finish.
• A group sequence at this level should include at least one balance, one roll, one jump, and one method of travel linked with smooth transitions and timing.
• Common travel methods in this unit include skipping, hopping, crawling, rolling, stepping, and leaping, with cartwheel or round-off included only where safe and appropriate.

• Perform tuck, pike, and straddle shapes, holding each for 3–5 seconds with pointed toes, engaged core, and complete stillness.
• Execute a stable individual balance for at least 3 seconds by aligning the centre of mass over a wide base and increasing points of contact where needed.
• Build and hold a partner balance safely for at least 3 seconds, with the base adopting a wide, low stance and the flyer maintaining body tension; communicate clearly before mounting and dismounting.
• Link three individual shapes and one partner balance into a short sequence with smooth, fluent transitions and a consistent tempo.
• Travel across the floor using at least three methods, such as skipping, hopping, crawling, and leaping, while maintaining a clear line of direction, control, and spatial awareness.
• Perform a forward roll from a squat to a controlled stand, keeping the chin tucked, back rounded, hands flat, and finishing with feet together without extra steps.
• Perform a backward roll from a squat to a controlled stand, placing hands by the ears with palms up, pushing through the hands to roll over the shoulders, and finishing with feet together without extra steps.
• Perform a teddy bear roll and a log roll with continuous, controlled motion, returning to the start shape without using the hands for support during the teddy bear roll.
• Perform two different jumps, such as a tuck jump and a `180^\circ` turn, using arm swing and leg drive for height; spot during rotation, land on two feet approximately hip-width apart, absorb force through bent ankles, knees, and hips, keep the knees aligned over the toes, and regain balance before presenting a finish.
• Compose and perform a 30–45 second group routine including at least one balance, one roll, one jump, and one travel, demonstrating synchronisation, clear formations, and quick recovery from minor balance losses.