Things You'll Need:
- Padded mats
- Balance beam
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Step 1
Place your gymnastics mats on the floor in the center of a large, open space. Center the training balance beam in the middle of the padded mats.
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Step 2
Begin by having the child walk slowly across the balance beam from one end to the other. The hands should be on the hips, the chin should be level with the beam and the back and legs should be held straight.
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Step 3
Repeat the same walk but have the child walk on his toes rather than on the flat of his foot. Remind him to look forward, point the toes and keep the posture straight.
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Step 4
Have your student walk sideways across the beam and make sure each step is fully closed. Watch her step out and bring the other foot to meet the first, returning to a full standing position with no room between the legs.
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Step 5
Ask advanced students to practice walking backward across the balance beam. When stepping back, the top of the toes should touch the beam before the foot comes down flat. This technique is used to maintain proper positioning during all balance beam routines.
