Finish on Your Feet: Forward Roll Exit Challenges

Stations with challenges to exit a forward roll in different ways: standing without hands, jumping, half turn or on one leg. Each student picks a level and moves up after three clean tries.

How to play

1. Review the forward roll on a flat mat, two tries each (3 min).
2. Explain the six exit cards, from easiest to hardest (2 min).
3. Groups of four: each picks a card and tries it; three in a row unlocks the next card (10 min).
4. Final challenge: each group links their favorite exit with a teammate's (5 min).

Rules

• Chin to chest and hands down in every exit.
• End jumps stay inside the mat.
• Everyone moves at their own pace; nobody picks another person's card.
• One try per person per turn.

Variations

Adaptations

• Low vision: a partner reads the card aloud and taps the mat to show the spot.
• Knee injury: finish sitting with straight legs, no jumps.
• Hesitant students: stay on cards 1 and 2 and spot at the neck.

Learning goals

• Improve the forward roll exit.
• Choose a challenge that fits your level.
• Link a roll to another skill.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 12
• skill cards: 6
• cones: 6

Teacher tip

Write cards on letter-size paper and tape them by each mat. Typical mistake: going for the jump before being stable; first balance, then jump.

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