Rolling Balls Down the Rope Lane

In pairs, with two parallel ropes on the floor making a lane, kids roll a ball to each other from end to end without letting it leave the ropes. Kids practice aiming when rolling, using just the right force and playing with a partner.

How to play

1. Each pair lays two parallel ropes on the floor about a hand-span-and-a-half apart and sits at either end (2 min).
2. We roll the ball down the lane to our partner with both hands (3 min).
3. We roll with one hand, first the right and then the left (2 min).
4. We give the lane curves and roll more carefully (3 min).
5. We join all the lanes into one long one and the ball travels from pair to pair (2 min).

Rules

• The ball rolls along the ground; it doesn't bounce.
• If it leaves the lane, I walk to get it.
• I wait until my partner is ready.
• The ropes are walls: we don't step on them.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: set the lane on a long table, or the child rolls from the wheelchair using a cardboard ramp.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell inside and thick ropes the child can feel by hand.
• More skilled: roll with the non-dominant hand or with a foot.

Learning goals

• Roll a ball with controlled direction and force.
• Use both hands together and each hand alone.
• Cooperate with a partner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Jump ropes: 26
• Balls: 13

Teacher tip

A narrower lane isn't better: start wide and let kids narrow it when they succeed. Foam balls roll slower and stay in the lane more.

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