Cut Off the Rolling Ball
One student rolls a ball diagonally across the ground and another sprints in from the side to cut it off before it crosses the end line. Students practice predicting the ball's path, choosing the right running angle, and reaction speed.
How to play
- Use cones to mark six 10 x 10 m (33 x 33 ft) zones. Each has a roller in one corner with a ball, an interceptor at the middle of one side, and an end line opposite the roller. Groups of four: roller, interceptor, and two waiting (2 min).
- The roller rolls the ball toward any point on the end line. The interceptor may start only when the ball is released and must stop it with hands or a foot before it crosses the line.
- Each interception earns a point. Then rotate: roller goes to wait, interceptor becomes roller, and a waiting student steps in as interceptor (4 min).
- Phase two (4 min): the interceptor starts facing away and turns on "go!", which the roller calls on release.
- Phase three (4 min): the roller may fake before releasing; the interceptor must read where the ball is really going.
- To finish (2 min), each group discusses whether it's better to run at the ball or toward the spot where it will arrive.
Rules
- Roll the ball along the ground, never throw it in the air.
- The interceptor doesn't move until the ball is released.
- Only one student goes for the ball on each try.
- Slow down before the end line so you don't run into cones or walls.
Variations
Easier
The roller rolls slowly and the interceptor starts closer to the end line.
Standard
Roll at medium speed to any point, with the interceptor starting face-forward.
Harder
Two rollers release balls one second apart and the interceptor tries to stop both.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student intercepts from a closer starting point and may stop the ball with a hoop or a pole.
- Blind or low vision: use a ball with a bell and a smaller 6 x 6 m (20 x 20 ft) zone.
- Higher fitness: enlarge the zone to 15 x 15 m (50 x 50 ft) so they cover more ground.
Learning goals
- Predict where a moving ball will end up.
- Pick the shortest running line to intercept.
- React quickly when the ball is released.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balls: 6
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
At first students chase the ball and arrive late; pause the game and draw the diagonal path on the ground. Space the zones well so no ball rolls into the next one.
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