Locomotor Skills
Locomotor Skills
Locomotor Skills
Galloping a. Definition: Moving forward in uneven rhythm, with same foot leading
b. Analysis:
b. Analysis:
1. Spring lightly upward, taking off with ankle extension and landing lightly on the
ball of the boot
Standing jump a. Definition: Spring from the ground, taking off with one or both feet,
and landing on both feet
b. Analysis:
1. The knees and hip joints are flexed and the arms swing backward
2. Swing both arms forward and upward as the knees and ankles extend
3. Land lightly on two feet, bending the knees and ankles to cushion the shock of
landing
Running a. Definition: Moving at a rapid pace with springing steps so that, for an
instant during each step, both feet are off the ground.
b. Analysis:
2. The toes and the ball of the foot make light contact with running surface for an
easy, relaxed run
3. The arms are kept close to the body. They swing forcibly with the elbows
constantly bent. The feet are parallel and the knees move in the line of direction
b. Analysis:
1. The skip is a step hop, with the step being the long count and the hop a short
count
2. Spring from the topes and land on the ball of the foot
3. Knees and arms are relaxed
Sliding a. Definition: Moving in a sideward direction with same foot always leading
b. Analysis:
1. A long step is taken to the side on one foot, bringing the second foot up to the first
one
2. Spring lightly from the toe and land on the ball of the foot
b. Analysis:
1. The body bends slightly forward, with bent knees and the weight evenly divided on
both feet
2. Move by shifting weight from one side to the other, by a jumping motion, by a
change of pace, or by faking in one direction and going in another.
Walking a. Definition: Moving one foot at a time, at a moderate pace, lifting one foot
only after the other has touched the ground
b. Analysis:
1. The weight comes down on the center of the heel first and transfers, in a rocking
motion, to the toes of the foot
2. Push off strongly until the tips of the toes point toward the floor. As the push-off is
made from the rear leg, the knee should bend
3. Swing the leg freely from the hip with the ankle relaxed so that the toes point
down toward the floor as the leg comes forward
4. Just before the foot comes in contact with the floor, the heel is lowered and the
knee is straightened.
5. When the shoulders are relaxed, the arms will swing freely and naturally
1. Standing (posture)
a. Definition: Assuming an upright position with the weight supported on the feet
c. Analysis
1. Stand tall
3. When standing with the weight on one or the other foot, the body weight should be
centered over both feet
a. Definition:
1.Twisting is a rotation of the body or any part of the body while maintaining a stable
base of support
2.Turning is a partial or total rotation of the body and a shifting of the base of support
b. Teaching Suggestions:
3. Turning body a quarter, half or full turn to right, then to the left
6. Let children experiment with all parts of the body to see how many different parts
of the body as well as the number of combinations they can twist
1. Swinging is a pendular movement with the axis of support above the moving parts
2. Swaying is the same type of movement with the support below the moving parts
b. Teaching suggestions
1. Increase flexibility to ensure swing or sway through the full range of movement
6. Swing or sway various parts of body in pantomime. Example: Sway like a tree,
windshield wiper, etc. Change tempo with each pantomime movement
a. Definition: Bending is a flexing any or all parts of the body, whereas stretching is
extending the same. Both movements may be done in a relaxed or vigorous fashion
and with even or uneven rhythm.
b. Teaching suggestions:
2. Bend and stretch different parts of body; e.g., arms, legs, trunk
3. Imitate things that bend or stretch; e.g., tree, snake, dog, etc.
4. Assume different sitting or lying positions and explore different bending and
stretching movements
5. Bend one part of body (arms) while stretching the other (legs).