Partner Log Rolls on the Mat Runway

Rolling progression on the long axis of the body, first solo and then with a partner holding hands, on mat runways with challenges. Students practice the straight-body log roll, spatial awareness and coordinating with a partner.

How to play

1. Set up 4 runways of 3 mats, with a foam wedge at the start of two of them. Make 4 groups of pairs, one per runway.
2. Solo log roll (3 min): on the back, arms stretched overhead and legs together, roll to the end without rolling off and walk back along the side.
3. Log roll with brakes (2 min): roll and stop next to a cone placed halfway down the runway.
4. Partner roller (5 min): lying head to head and holding hands, partners roll the same way at the same time, counting 'one, two, roll!'
5. Challenges (5 min): roll while both hold a foam ball, roll down the wedge together and reach the end without drifting; each pair shows its best roll.

Rules

• One pair per runway; the next pair goes when the previous one stands up.
• Roll with arms stretched to protect the head.
• If you feel dizzy, sit on the edge until it passes.
• Walk back along the side, never across the mats.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: roll with teacher assistance or do seated trunk twists and judge the straight line.
• Students with autism: preview the sequence with picture cards and keep the same partner.
• Fitness level: students who master the log roll keep arms at their sides.

Learning goals

• Roll on the long axis of the body in a straight line.
• Coordinate a roll with a partner without letting go.
• Stop a roll at a specific spot.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 12
• foam wedges: 2
• foam balls: 6
• cones: 4

Teacher tip

Push the mats tightly together so there are no gaps, and empty pockets. If students drift, tell them to look at the ceiling and lead with the hips, not the head.

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