Hoop Tricks: Hula, Roll, and Boomerang Toss

Students practice a set of hoop tricks: spinning it on the waist and arm, rolling and chasing it, and tossing it with backspin so it comes back like a boomerang. Students work on coordination, rhythm, and controlling a moving object.

How to play

1. Each student has a hoop, 10 feet apart. Waist hooping: give a starting push and move the hips forward and back, in both directions; aim for 20 spins (4 min).
2. Arm hooping: spin the hoop on an extended forearm and pass it to the other hand without stopping (3 min).
3. Roll and chase: roll the hoop forward, sprint past it, and catch it before it falls (3 min).
4. Boomerang toss: toss the hoop forward low with a backward flick of the wrist so it rolls back; try to catch it or step through it (5 min).
5. In pairs, 16 feet apart, one partner rolls the hoop with backspin and the other catches it; count catches in 2 minutes (3 min).

Rules

• Only toss toward open space, never toward another student.
• If the hoop gets away, wait until it stops before picking it up.
• Step through the hoop only when it is rolling slowly near the ground.
• Respect your own 10-foot space.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student spins the hoop on the arm and does boomerang tosses from a chair.
• Visual impairment: use brightly colored hoops, and a partner describes where the hoop is after each toss.
• Skill level: each student moves at their own pace and chooses which trick to perfect.

Learning goals

• Keep a hoop spinning with different body parts.
• Control spin when tossing an object.
• Persevere when learning new skills.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hula hoops: 25

Teacher tip

For waist hooping, the motion is forward and back, not in a circle; demonstrate it slowly. The boomerang toss works best on a smooth surface.

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