The lunge

The objective of the lunge is to assess the stability about the upper body, pelvis and hips as the child takes a step forward and then repeats this movement for four steps. This is a very challenging movement for all children.

To perform the lunge the coach gets the child to stand with feet together. The arms can be on the hips. The child then steps forward, planting the foot firmly on the floor. The distance stepped is slightly greater than a normal walking step. The child then lowers the trailing knee, stopping just before it hits the floor. The child then steps forward with the trail leg onto the next lunge. The movement is then repeated for a total of four steps or lunges forwards. The coach is looking to see a firmly planted foot each time. The upper body (torso) should always be upright and should not bend side to side or forwards or backwards. The knees should be stable when the foot is planted forwards and the torso should be upright.

To score the lunge the coach gives the child a score of one point for each of the following:

1. The torso remains upright and stable
2. The forward knee does not wobble (inwards or outwards)
3. The foot points straight ahead upon planting on the floor and during the support phase of the lunge
4. The child moves with balance from one lunge to the next.