Create-A-Course Balance Beam
Variety of Course Possibilities
Geometric design setting up a brand new course for each new class is quick and easy. Teach balance and coordination with the included channel and connector pieces. Channel pieces challenge students to stay upright and balanced until they reach the next connector. Each nylon-covered foam piece features hook-and-loop fasteners for easy setup and reconfiguration.
Durable, Safe Design
Comfortable vinyl material covers the lightweight inner foam for an overall durable design. Vinyl material helps to reduce slipping as kids move quickly through the course. Tacky rubber bottoms are non-slip for added safety. The nylon cover easily wipes clean and stops the spread of germs. Set includes 12 rectangular channel sections (24"L x 4"W x 2-1/4"H) and 12 round connectors (13" dia x 2-1/4"H).
15 Innovative Movement Activities Using the Create-A-Course Balance Beam
The Create-A-Course Balance Beam from Gopher Sport is a modular and customizable balance beam system that includes six soft foam segments which can be linked end-to-end or at angles using hook-and-loop connectors. Unlike traditional balance beams, this product’s key strength is its flexibility in design—allowing educators to easily create straight lines, zigzags, curves, and even obstacle paths. With a low profile for safe use by all ages, it is ideal for teaching dynamic balance, coordination, agility, and spatial awareness. The following 15 activity ideas highlight how this unique beam can help develop a wide variety of Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) in physical education settings.
1. Balance Beam Bonanza: Set up a long straight beam and challenge students to walk from end to end without stepping off. Focuses on dynamic balance and posture.
2. Zigzag Zoom: Create a zigzag path and have students walk heel-to-toe along it. This develops turning control and lateral body awareness.
3. Backward Beam Walk: Students walk backward along the beam while maintaining balance. Enhances proprioception and rear-body awareness.
4. Tiptoe Tightrope: Students walk across the beam on their tiptoes, helping to improve calf strength and fine balance control.
5. Overhead Object Challenge: Students balance a beanbag (e.g., "Gopher Beanbag Bonanza Set") on their head while walking the beam. Enhances posture and head alignment.
6. Jump, Land, Balance: Students jump onto the beam from a poly spot and stick the landing. Teaches landing technique and balance recovery.
7. Walk the Color Trail: Place colored spots along the beam. Students must step only on the color you call out. Builds coordination and reaction time.
8. Twist and Travel: Students twist their torso left and right while maintaining their balance during a beam walk. Targets non-locomotor skills and control.
9. Balancing Ball Toss: Students toss and catch a beanbag or foam ball while walking the beam. Sharpens coordination and multitasking skills.
10. Red Light, Green Beam: Call out “green” to walk, “yellow” to slow down, and “red” to freeze while students move along the beam. Develops impulse control and coordination.
11. Hop On, Walk Off: Students hop onto the beam with two feet, then walk to the end and hop off safely, working on sequencing and landing.
12. Reverse Course Relay: In teams, students walk to the end of the beam, turn around, and walk back before tagging the next teammate.
13. Create-Your-Path Challenge: Let students design their own beam course using different angles, curves, or connections. Encourages creativity and ownership of movement tasks.
14. Direction Dice Beam Game: Roll a die that shows movement directions (e.g., jump, tiptoe, side-step), and students perform that movement while on the beam.
15. Create-A-Team Challenge: In groups, students connect multiple Create-A-Course Balance Beam sets to form a giant course, then take turns navigating it. Encourages cooperation and movement planning.