Beginners  The children may need more supervision and assistance to achieve the balance. Have the children pretend to make bridges with their bodies to incorporate some pretend play.

Intermediate  Encourage feet together and strong lower backs throughout the balance.

Advanced  Have the children try to hold the balance for ten seconds keeping the correct straight and strong body position.

Special Needs  If a child has weak core body strength, supporting another child’s legs may be challenging. Alleviate the weight of the legs by assisting with holding them up, so the full weight is not on the back of the other child.

First have the children practice a front support position or press-up position. In this position the arms and feet supporting the body the hands must be shoulder-width apart on the floor with the arms straight. The head, body and legs should form a straight line from the shoulders down to the toes.

Once you are satisfied that all the children understand this position, have them find a partner of similar size and body weight.

With your guidance, have two children demonstrate how to create the balance.

Have one child do the front support position on the floor with the feet apart to help gain better balance.

The other child does the front support position at a 90-degree angle to the other and places one foot at a time on the partner’s back, toes pointed. Be sure that only the foot part is resting on the back.

The pairs must hold this position for five to ten seconds and then change so the other has a turn at supporting the legs of the partner.

The children must take care when placing their feet on their partner’s back to prevent the other person from being kicked.

The supporting person must have a rounded upper back to provide a stronger position for supporting the legs.