Core Strength
Core strength is a foundational aspect of movement development. It begins to develop as children learn to roll, sit, crawl, stand and walk. Trunk control supports posture, balance and the ability to generate and control movement. It also underpins success in locomotor, stability and object control skills.
In the early years, core strength is best developed through playful movement experiences such as balancing, crawling, climbing, rolling, reaching and changing positions.
Static core strength is the ability to maintain control of the body in still positions, such as holding a balance shape or sitting upright.
Dynamic core strength is the ability to maintain control of the body while moving, such as during crawling, climbing, rolling or transitioning between positions.
Teaching cues
- Keep your body strong and tall
- Stay steady through your middle
- Move with control
Teaching strategies
- Use simple animal movements (e.g. bear crawls, crab walks, bunny hops) to activate core muscles in a fun way
- Play games that involve holding positions briefly, such as Musical Balances or Balance Slow-Down Cool-Down
- Focus on helping children understand what “strong body” feels like through simple balancing and stabilising activities, such as Gymnastics Shape Up or Hoop Balances
- Encourage children to stay strong through their middle while holding basic shapes, such as sitting tall, lying on their back or balancing on different body parts
- Provide classroom opportunities for core engagement through standing play tables (no chairs), floor-based play, floor seating, short movement breaks, and transitions between sitting, standing and kneeling during learning tasks
- Include simple movements in the classroom, such as carrying and moving objects between areas, stretching up and down to collect or place items, pushing or pulling equipment and holding basic shapes during short active breaks
- Introduce longer or more varied body positions through activities such as Bridges and Rivers
- Incorporate movement-based core strength challenges, such as crawling through an obstacles course, with activities like Gymnastics Movement Maze or Balance Beam Relays
- Encourage children to maintain a strong body while adding arm and leg movements (e.g. reaching while holding a front support position in the Air Cone Hockey activity)
- Use partner challenges such as mirror movements or push-and-pull resistance games, such as Balance Battle or Rock and Roll Challenge
- In the classroom, encourage crawling under tables, through tunnels and around learning spaces during play and transitions
- Include reaching and grasping tasks in the classroom (e.g. placing resources above head height or on raised surfaces)
- Increase complexity by combining core stability with dynamic movement (e.g. climbing, jumping, rolling sequences), through activities such as Move and Groove Routine
- Introduce unstable surfaces or equipment (e.g. balance cushions, soft mats) to challenge stability
- Add endurance challenges such as holding shapes for longer periods or moving through continuous circuits or obstacle courses, such as the Gymnastics Circuit Challenge
- Encourage children to maintain strong posture and control during sport-specific skills (throwing, striking, jumping sequences)
- Encourage sustained postural control during learning tasks in the classroom (e.g. standing learning stations, floor seating positions, and movement-based learning activities)
Skill criteria
- Body remains stable through the trunk (no excessive wobbling)
- Abdomen, back, and hips are engaged to maintain control
- Spine is in a neutral and supported position
- Able to hold a stable position without collapsing or sagging
- Maintains control during movement transitions (e.g. rolling, crawling, lifting)
- Breathing remains steady while maintaining tension through the core
Common errors
- Collapsing through the middle of the body
- Overarching or sagging through the back
- Holding their breath
- Lack of control during transitions between movements
- Sitting down and slouching back into their chair
