Ramp Roll Catch Race
A partner releases a ball from the top of a tilted gym bench and another student starts from a line to catch it before it rolls past a mark on the floor. Students practice judging the ball's speed, timing their start, and catching.
How to play
- Tilt four gym benches by hooking one end onto the second rung of the wall bars or resting it on a low box. Place a finish cone 3 m (10 ft) past the end of each bench and, off to one side, a start line 5 m (16 ft) away. Groups of six per bench (3 min).
- One student releases the ball from the top of the bench without pushing it. The runner leaves their line as soon as the ball starts rolling and must catch it before it passes the finish cone (3 min).
- Rotation: the releaser joins the runners' line, and the runner picks up the ball and becomes the releaser. Each catch earns a point for the group.
- Phase two (4 min): the runner starts facing away or sitting down and must turn on the call "go!"
- Phase three (4 min): the runner picks their own start line, closer or farther away, and earns more points the farther they start: 1, 2, or 3 points.
- Finish (2 min): each group counts its points and discusses whether the ball arrives faster when the bench is steeper.
Rules
- Release the ball; never push or throw it.
- No one stands in front of the bottom of the bench during the release.
- Runners slow down after the finish cone, no diving.
- The teacher checks that each bench is securely hooked before starting.
Variations
Easier
Use a gentle slope and a 3 m (10 ft) start line, with a large ball.
Standard
Hook the bench on the second rung, start at 5 m, and use a medium ball.
Harder
Use a tennis ball and a steeper bench, and the runner must catch one-handed.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student starts from a closer line or catches the ball with a bucket or hoop from the wheelchair.
- Blind or low vision: use a ball with a bell and have the partner call out the release.
- Faster runners: they start from the farthest line or lying face down.
Learning goals
- Judge the speed of a moving object to get there in time.
- Adjust their start timing and running speed.
- Understand how the slope affects the ball's speed.
Equipment for a class of 25
- gym bench: 4
- balls: 8
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Check the bench hooks and place a mat behind the wall bars if needed. Students usually start late; encourage them to go on the ball's first roll.
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