Balance beam 7 – Scale
- Technique
- View of the practitioner
- Biomechanics
- Faults
- Physical preparation
- Drill
- Spotting
- Worksheets
After step forward, we put weight on standing leg to slightly bend the torso. We start the movement by raising the leg. When the maximal extension is reached, we lean forward with the trunk while still raising the leg to the final position, where the foot reaches over shoulder height.
The standing scale is an element of static balance. To remain in a balanced position, the body centre of gravity must remain above the support surface, i.e., the foot of the standing leg. This means that the weight of the extended lower limb is balanced by the forward lean of the trunk. To minimize postural sways, it is necessary to maintain muscle tension in the trunk – lower limb kinematic chain.
- Too early hips bending.
- Bent standing leg.
- Excessively bent hips.
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Physical preparation 1
Flexibility in the hip joint is essential.
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Physical preparation 2
We practice maintaining the balance in standing on one leg without moving or with additional movements.
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Physical preparation 3
The activity of the back muscles is important, we can strengthen it by lying on the stomach and lifting the trunk
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Physical preparation 4
We practice the work of the back muscles by the activity of the lower limb extensors, lifting the leg backwards while lying on the stomach.
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Drill 1
First, we practice the forward step with transferring the weight to the standing leg. The extended leg stays supported on the toe.
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Drill 2
The next step is maximum extension of the leg with fixation of the trunk.
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Drill 3
With the support of the upper limb against the wall, we bend forward along with a maximum leg extension to the final scale position.
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Drill 4
Another option is to raise the trunk to the final scale position with the support of the extended leg.
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Drill 5
Next, practice the element without transferring weight from one leg to the other.
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Drill 6
Practice the whole scale first on the ground, then on a low wider balance beam - the "trainer". Then move to the balance beam.
When assisting, we fix shoulder and help to raise the lower limb to maximum extension.