Balance Beam Activities

The balance beam is a demanding and visually stunning gymnastics activity. Demanding precision, control, strength, and balance, the beam must be practiced and practiced in order to be mastered. Adding drills and games make the incessant practicing more fun. Music is one of the easiest ways to add some pep back into a practice session. Different types of music lend themselves to different types of movement. Choose your music carefully and your movement will follow.

  1. Walk

    • Gaining confident and steady balance no matter the movement must be of paramount importance. Practice walking with a variety of motion. Include giant steps, side steps, and crouching motions. Practice going forward and backwards. Hop down the beam on one foot. Close your eyes and allow your body to tell you where to place your foot.

    Dance

    • Without worrying about perfection, just dance. Wriggle, swing and dance your way up and down the beam to a variety of music. This activity builds confidence and familiarity. Choose a smooth, flowing genre such as classical to gain familiarity with the beam and to build balance. Pick hip-hop or techno to practice jumps, leaps, and spins. Try the activity with your eyes open and then with them closed.

    Jumping

    • A balance beam often isn't wide enough for any but the smallest feet to stand side-by-side. Practice making jumps and landing with one foot in front of the other. Jump all the way down the beam with your right foot in front of the left, turn at the end, and jump back with your left foot in front of the right.

    Turns

    • Turns are of paramount importance on the beam. There is only so much room and at some point, you'll have to turn and go back the other direction. Practice spinning down the beam with a series of 360 degree turns. Once you reach the end, spin the other way.

    Mounts and Dismounts

    • Practice getting on and off the beam to music. Incorporate a variety of mounts and dismounts into one of the other drills. In the middle of a movement, dismount, then fluidity mount the beam by leaping onto it, landing in a straddle, and smoothly coming to your feet. Continue with the prior drill.