Forward Roll Through the Hoop
In pairs, one student holds a hoop upright at the start of the mat and the other does a forward roll through it without touching it. Students work on a tight tuck, rolling in a straight line, and meeting progressive challenges.
How to play
- Make pairs with one mat and three hoops of different sizes (large, medium, and small) for every two pairs (2 min).
- The helper kneels beside the mat and holds the large hoop upright, with the bottom edge resting on the mat (1 min).
- The roller squats in front of the hoop, places hands on the far side, tucks the chin, and rolls through; if they do not touch the hoop, it counts as a success (4 min).
- After 3 successes with one hoop, move to the next smaller hoop; partners switch roles after every attempt (4 min).
- Final challenge: two hoops in a row, three feet apart; roll through the first, stand up without hands, and crouch-walk through the second (4 min).
Rules
- The helper holds the hoop gently and lets go if the roller bumps it.
- Hands always land past the hoop, never on it.
- Wait for your partner to finish and stand up before holding the hoop again.
- Do not roll with your head turned; look at your belly button.
Variations
Easier
Use only the large hoop and roll down a foam wedge.
Standard
Progress from the large to the medium to the small hoop on a flat mat.
Harder
Roll through the small hoop and finish with a straight jump.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can be the permanent helper and judge the tuck, or log roll sideways through a hoop laid flat.
- Visual impairment: the helper taps the hoop before each attempt as a sound cue for where it is.
- Fitness level: confident rollers try standing up with no hands; students who struggle keep practicing with the large hoop.
Learning goals
- Keep a tight tuck throughout the forward roll.
- Roll in a straight line without drifting to the side.
- Help a partner by holding the hoop safely.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 12
- hoops: 18
Teacher tip
The hoop makes opening up visible: if the back hits it, the tuck was not tight enough. Make sure helpers hold the hoop from the side, not from in front of the mat.
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