I Roll It, You Kick It Back
An adult or partner rolls the ball and the child, standing in a hoop, kicks it straight back without stopping it. They practice kicking a moving ball and timing the strike.
How to play
- The teacher rolls the ball slowly to each child, who traps it and sends it back (3 min).
- Now without stopping it: when it arrives, boom, kick it right back (3 min).
- In pairs: one rolls by hand, the other kicks from their hoop (3 min).
- Switch roles and try the other foot (2 min).
- Roll the ball very slowly and send it back with a gentle tap to finish (2 min).
Rules
- I roll the ball on the ground, no bounces.
- I stay inside my hoop to kick.
- I kick toward my partner, gently.
- We switch roles when the teacher says so.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher rolls very slowly and they may trap it before kicking.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, kick it straight back without trapping.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the partner rolls slightly to the side and the child steps out of the hoop to reach it.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: send the ball back with a hand or pool noodle.
- Visual impairment: a ball with a bell rolled very slowly, with the partner calling "Coming!"
- Less coordination: a bigger ball and a short distance.
Learning goals
- Kick a moving ball.
- Time the strike.
- Take turns in each role.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Soft balls: 13
- Hoops: 13
Teacher tip
Start by rolling to everyone yourself so the ball always arrives the same way, then move to pairs. The usual mistake is kicking too early: tell them "wait until it touches your foot."
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