Rolling Boulder Run

Two rollers push the earth ball down a lane while the rest of the class crosses from one side to the other without letting the boulder touch their feet. Anyone who gets tagged joins the rollers, so nobody sits out and the challenge grows.

How to play

1. Mark a lane with cones about 50 feet long and 30 feet wide; students line up on one of the long sides (2 min).
2. Choose two rollers, who start at one end of the lane with the earth ball and always push it rolling along the floor with their hands (1 min).
3. When the teacher calls "Boulder!", students cross to the other side while the rollers steer the ball toward them (4 min).
4. If the ball touches someone below the knee, that student joins the rollers and helps push on the next crossing (3 min).
5. When there are six rollers, restart with two new rollers chosen from students who have not been tagged (3 min).
6. In the last round, the rollers may use two earth balls or an extra large ball (2 min).

Rules

• The ball always rolls on the floor; lifting or throwing it is not allowed.
• Rollers push at a fast walk, not a run.
• Only touches below the knee count.
• Crossers may not touch or push the ball to stop it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who use wheelchairs: may be a permanent roller, pushing with a pole or with their hands from the chair.
• Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: also signal the start by raising a colored pinnie.
• Students with less speed: get a safe hoop in the middle of the lane where they can stop for 3 seconds.

Learning goals

• Dodge a moving object by changing speed and direction.
• Decide when and where to cross.
• Work with the roller team to steer the ball.

Equipment for a class of 25

• earth ball: 1
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Younger students love this game. Watch that rollers don't run behind the ball, since they could fall onto it.

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