Flow and Transitions Slides Connect the Dots
Fluid Transitions & Locomotion
Gymnastics Floor Routine Series
The Grammar of Movement
A sentence is just a list of words without grammar.
"Today we learn the 'grammar' of gymnastics that connects your skills into a story."
No "Dead Time"
Every second counts. No walking to the next corner.
Rhythm & Flow
Matching the tempo of your body to the beat.
The Transition Toolbox
Locomotor
Chassé (Gallop)
Grapevine
Prancing
Step-Kick
Turns
Pivot Turn
Chainé Turn
Spiral to Floor
Half-Turns
Levels
High: Extension
Med: Balance
Low: Floor Work
Level Changes
Stop Walking.
Start Dancing.
Judges look for the moments between the tricks. If you are just walking to a corner to set up a cartwheel, you are losing points.
Dead Time
Flow State
Movement should never stop until the music does.
The "Glue" Game
Activity Instructions
10 MINUTES
1
Find a spot on the floor. When the music starts, move using only locomotor skills.
2
When the music stops, perform a static balance for 3 seconds.
3
THE CHALLENGE: Transition from your balance back to movement without any "pre-steps" or pauses.
Music Vibe:
Slow & Graceful
Fast & Sharp
Mechanical/Staccato
Transition Toolbox Worksheet Transition Toolbox
Gymnastics Routine Composition: Lesson 1
Student Details
NAME:
DATE:
The Challenge
Your floor routine isn't just about the flips. It's about how you get from Point A to Point B. Eliminate "dead time" by using these three categories of movement to bridge your skills.
1. Locomotor Connections
Select two locomotor movements and describe how you will vary the arm positions to make them artistic.
Movement Choice
Arm Position/Style
Movement Choice
Arm Position/Style
2. Levels & Floor Work
How will you transition from a standing position to the floor without just "sitting down"? Brainstorm a creative level change.
3. Rhythmic Flow
Pick a tumbling skill (e.g., Cartwheel). Sketch out a 4-count "prep" and a 4-count "finish" that isn't just standing still.
The Prep (4 Counts)
The Finish (4 Counts)
Flow Checkpoint
Watch a partner perform a skill-to-skill transition. Did they stop moving at any point? If so, what movement could they add to bridge the gap?
Movement Flow Teacher Guide Teacher Guide 9th Grade Physical Education
Connect the Dots
Facilitating Fluid Transitions and Locomotion Workshops
Lesson 1
Unit: Floor Routine Composition
Duration
55 Minutes
Objective
Students will eliminate 'dead time' between skills using rhythmic locomotor movement.
Equipment
Floor mats, music player, beat-heavy tracks, worksheets.
Lesson Breakdown
0-5 MIN
The "Grammar" Hook
Introduce the analogy of movement as language. Skills (tumbling) are nouns; transitions are the verbs and grammar that make a sentence. Display the title slide from the "Flow and Transitions" deck.
5-20 MIN
Locomotor Exploration
Direct students through the "Transition Toolbox" categories.
Demonstrate a Chassé with high arms vs. low rhythmic arms.
Challenge students to travel across the floor without any "walking steps."
Introduce levels: spiral to the floor, stay low, then spring back up.
20-40 MIN
The "Glue" Game (Improv)
Play music with varying tempos. Use the "Glue Game" slide instructions.
Teacher Tip: Watch for students who "reset" (step out of character) after a move. Shout "Stay in character!" or "Extend those toes!" to maintain the performance mindset.
40-55 MIN
Toolbox Drafting & Cool Down
Students complete the "Transition Toolbox" worksheet to lock in their favorite movement patterns for their future routines.
Questioning for Depth
Analyzing Flow
"If a judge looked away for 3 seconds, would they miss something important, or would they just see you walking?"
Dynamics
"How does the height of your chin and the direction of your eyes change the 'vibe' of your grapevine?"
Air Time Slides Reach for the Sky
Amplitude & Extension
Mandatory Dance Elements
How high can you fly?
Today we are measuring who can get the most air time while maintaining a perfect shape.
Amplitude
Extension
The Split Leap
180° horizontal split in the air.
Head up, eyes forward (no looking at the floor!).
Toes pointed, knees locked.
P
Prep
Long chassé to build horizontal speed.
T
Takeoff
Explosive push through the front foot.
A
Apex
Hit the maximum split at the highest point.
L
Landing
Soft knees, stuck landing, back leg high.
Essential Performance Shapes
Tuck Jump
Knees must come up above the hips. Fast snap to the chest and immediate extension.
FOCUS: TUCK SPEED
Wolf Jump
One leg tucked, one leg perfectly straight and horizontal. Hips must stay squared.
FOCUS: ASYMMETRY
Full Turn
Balanced on one foot (relevé). Leg in passé or straight. 360° of controlled rotation.
FOCUS: AXIS
Power Stations
12 MINUTES / 3 ROTATIONS
4:00
STATION 1
The Launch Pad
Step off a low block and immediately punch into a tuck jump.
GOAL: MINIMAL GROUND TIME
STATION 2
Lines & Walls
Execute split leaps across the line. Partner checks for 180° extension.
GOAL: MAXIMUM STRETCH
STATION 3
Spot the Dot
Practice full turns. Spot a mark on the wall to keep from getting dizzy.
GOAL: FINISH FACING FRONT
Leap and Jump Drill Card Air Time Tracker
Lesson 2: Leap & Jump Drill Card
Athlete:
Section:
1
The Launch Pad
Focus: Minimal ground contact time during tuck jumps.
Set 1 (5 reps)
Set 2 (5 reps)
2
Lines & Walls
Focus: Achieving 180° extension in Split Leaps.
Partner Observation:
Full 180° achieved
3
Spot the Dot
Focus: Controlled 360° Full Turn on relevé.
WOBBLY
SOLID
Stayed on Axis
Self-Assessment: Performance Shapes
Mandatory Element Core Requirement Extension Check Height Check Split Leap Legs split horizontal
|
| Tuck Jump | Knees above hip line |
|
|
| Wolf Jump | One leg bent, one straight |
|
|
| Full Turn | 360 degrees on one foot |
|
|
Coach's Reflection
Which of these dance elements feels most natural for your body? Which one will you focus on perfecting for your routine choreography?
Flexibility Mastery Checklist Mastery Criteria
Gymnastics Floor Elements: Flexibility & Extension
Explosive Jumps
Vertical Amplitude
Hips must travel upward at least 12-18 inches from takeoff.
Shape Clarity
Shape (tuck, wolf, pike) is hit at the highest point of the jump.
Leg Snap
Legs return to straight position before landing.
Artistic Leaps
180 Degree Split
Horizontal line from front toe to back toe.
Body Tension
No loose limbs; locked knees and pointed toes throughout.
Level Shoulders
Upper body remains upright; no leaning forward during the leap.
Flexibility Drills
Leg Kicks (BATTEMENTS)
Dynamic kicks to front, side, and back. Keep the supporting leg straight and chest high.
Lunge Press
Deep lunge pushing the back hip down. Focus on stretching the hip flexors for split leaps.
Relevé Balances
Stand on toes for 30 seconds. Build ankle strength needed for explosive takeoff.
"Performance is where skill meets strength."
Mastered
Developing
Choreography Craft Slides Mastering
the Floor
Routine Composition & Choreography
Director's Cut
You are the director and the star.
How will you arrange your skills to captivate an audience for 60 seconds?
Spatial Design
Using the whole floor, not just a line.
Musicality
Matching movement style to tempo.
The Floor Map
TOTAL FLOOR AREA
Rule of Corners
Use all four corners to start your tumbling passes. This maximizes travel and visual impact.
The Center Point
Place your balances or turns in the center of the floor for maximum focus.
Non-Linearity
Avoid moving in only straight lines. Use circles, diagonals, and zig-zags.
The Master Formula
1
Static Balance
Scale, Handstand, or Bridge. Hold for 2s.
2
Tumbling Passes
Forward or backward sequences (e.g. Round-off).
1
Dance Combo
Connect a jump or leap with a turn.
?
The Glue
Smooth transitions connecting everything.
Total Length: 45 - 60 Seconds
Picking Your
Vibe
"The music shouldn't just play in the background. It should move your arms."
Classical / Cinematic
Best for: Graceful, fluid, high extension routines.
Upbeat / Electronic
Best for: High energy, sharp movements, powerful tumbling.
Instrumental Only
Lyrics can be distracting to the judge. Focus on the melody.
Dynamic Shift
Try music that has a "slow" section and a "fast" section.
Routine Blueprint Organizer Floor Blueprint
Routine Mapping & Composition
Draft Phase 1
Name: ____________________ Music: ____________________
Spatial Map: Trace Your Path
FLOOR SPACE
Corner A Corner B Corner C Corner D
Use arrows to show direction. Mark your balances with an 'X'. Highlight tumbling passes with a double line.
Required Checklist
Opening Pose High or low level start
Tumbling Pass 1 Forward/Sideways
Static Balance Hold for 2 seconds
Dance Element 1 Leap or Jump
Tumbling Pass 2 Variation in direction
Closing Pose Stuck finish
Routine Script (Step-by-Step)
Order Skill or Transition Description Music Cue / Vibe Start 1 2 3 Finish
Composition Rubric Handout Composition Scoring Rubric
Standards for the Floor Routine Summative Performance
Duration
45-60s
Max Score
20 pts
Components
5 Main
Theme
Cohesive
Criteria Exceptional (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2-1) Technical Skills Perfect execution of tumble, balance, and dance elements. Locked limbs & pointed toes. Required skills completed with minor form breaks (bent knees or soft toes). Significant balance loss or missed elements. Form needs more tension. Transitions Zero "dead time." Fluid locomotor movements connect all skills without pauses. Occasional "walking steps" or resets between skills. Smooth but predictable. Constant pauses to "set up" skills. Lacks rhythmic connection. Use of Space Full coverage of floor area. Uses corners, center, and varying directions. Uses most of the floor but relies on linear paths (back and forth). Routine stays in a small area or single line. Corners ignored. Artistry Clear character/theme. Movement perfectly matches music tempo and mood. Good connection to music. Movement is rhythmic but lacks "soul" or flair. Music is just background. No matching of tempo or movement style. Composition Balanced variety of skills (balance, tumble, dance). Creative flow. All required elements present. Composition is standard but effective. Missing 1 or more required elements. Repetitive movements.
Automatic Deductions
-0.5 pts: Stepping out of floor boundary lines.
-1.0 pts: Missing 2-second hold on static balance.
-0.5 pts: Finishing more than 5 seconds early/late.
-2.0 pts: Not attempting a required element.
The Critical Eye Slides The Critical Eye
Peer Review & Refinement
Workshop Phase
Even Olympic coaches need a second pair of eyes.
"Today you are the judge—what works in your partner's routine and what needs polishing?"
Observe
Critique
Refine
The T.A.G. Protocol
T
Tell something you liked.
"I loved how you used the whole floor during your dance combo."
A
Ask a question.
"What character or story are you trying to show with that opening pose?"
G
Give a suggestion.
"Try pointing your toes more during the split leap to gain more points."
Judge's Checklist
The Connections
Is there any "dead time" or walking?
The Extensions
Are knees straight and toes pointed?
The Duration
Does it feel too short or too long?
"Be honest,
General praise doesn't help an athlete grow. Specific feedback does.
Workshop Rounds
ROUND 1: 15 MIN
ROUND 2: 15 MIN
1
Perform your draft routine for your partner (no music needed yet if not ready).
2
Partner uses the Peer Feedback Protocol to record notes.
3
Swap roles. Then, spend the rest of the time refining based on those notes.
Refinement Tip:
"If your partner says a transition looks messy, don't just keep doing it. Change the move to something you can perform with 100% confidence."
Peer Feedback Protocol Peer Feedback Protocol
Gymnastics Performance Workshop
Observer: ________________ Performer: ________________
T
TELL
Something they did well...
A
ASK
A clarifying question...
G
GIVE
A specific suggestion...
Judge's Rapid-Fire Checklist
FLOW & TRANSITIONS
Constant motion? (No "dead time")
Creative level changes?
TECHNICAL EXECUTION
Toes pointed in the air?
Stuck landings (no wobbles)?
Observer Final Word
If this athlete only changed one thing before the final showcase, what should it be?
Refinement Log Worksheet Refinement Log
Iterative Performance Design
Lesson 4: Workshop Refinement
Student Name:
Partner Feedback From:
Documenting Your Changes
Modification #1 IMPROVED FLOW
Original Movement:
New & Refined Movement:
Why did you change this? __________________________________________________________________________
Modification #2 TECHNICAL PRECISION
Original Skill Execution:
Revised Form/Cues:
How does this improve your score? __________________________________________________________________
Final Polish Priority
Before the final showcase next lesson, what is the one thing you will practice at home (in your head or physically) to ensure 100% confidence?
Showtime Ready Slides SHOWTIME
The Final Performance Showcase
Today is the Day
It’s showtime.
"Remember: If you fall, how you get back up matters more than the fall itself."
Confidence
Even if you forget a move, keep moving!
Extension
Finish every line. Long arms, pointed toes.
Artistry
Stay in character from the first to last pose.
Defeating the
Nerves
1
Visualize the floor. Run through your sequence 3 times in your head right now.
2
Breathe. 4-count inhale, 4-count hold, 4-count exhale. Lower your heart rate.
3
Focus on the First 5 Seconds. If you nail the opening, the rest will follow.
Channel the Energy
"Nervousness is just your body getting ready to be amazing."
The Performer's Code
Audience Rules
Eyes on the performer at all times.
Respectful silence during the music.
Loud applause after the final pose.
Performer Rules
Salute the judge (teacher) before starting.
Hold your final pose until applause.
Walk off the floor with your head high.
Performance Order
Warm-up Ends in 5:00
01
[Student Name List]
02
[Student Name List]
03
[Student Name List]
Next Up:
[Current Group Name]
Final Performance Scorecard Official Scorecard
Final Floor Routine Showcase
Athlete Name
Requirement Verification
Balance
Tumble 1
Tumble 2
Leap/Jump
Turn
Category Score (1-4) Judge's Notes Technical Mastery Form, extension, strength. 1
2
3
4
| |
| Flow & Rhythmic Value Zero dead time, transitions. |
1
2
3
4
| |
| Spatial Design Coverage, levels, corners. |
1
2
3
4
| |
| Artistry & Presentation Confidence, music, character. |
1
2
3
4
| |
| Final Score ( / 16 ) | ________ |
Evaluator Signature
"The athlete is the artist; the floor is the canvas."
Post-Performance Reflection Artist's Reflection
Post-Showcase Summative Evaluation
1
Growth Check
Think back to Lesson 1. What was the most difficult "connection" or transition for you to master, and how did you feel about it during today's performance?
2
Artistic Choice
How did your music choice influence the "mood" or "character" of your routine? Did the audience see the story you were trying to tell?
3
Performance Mindset
What went through your head during your final pose? Describe the feeling of completing your composition from start to finish.
Beyond the Floor
Gymnastics teaches balance, strength, and discipline. How can you apply the focus you used today to another area of your life (school, other sports, or hobbies)?
Looking Forward
