Rolling Cone Knockdown

Two teams, separated by a row of cones down the middle, roll balls along the floor to knock the cones over toward the other side. The activity builds underhand rolling, accuracy, and stopping balls that come rolling in.

How to play

1. Set 20 cones in a line across the middle and mark a throwing line 15 feet away on each side; each team stands behind its line (2 min).
2. Model the roll: opposite knee forward and bent, arm swings back, and the ball is released low along the floor with eyes on the cone (2 min).
3. Give each team 10 balls; on the whistle, students roll balls to knock cones down, and balls that reach their side are stopped with the hands and rolled again (3 min).
4. On the final whistle, count the fallen cones: each team scores the ones knocked toward the other side (1 min).
5. Stand the cones back up and play another round rolling with the non-dominant hand (3 min).
6. Final round: two students from each team serve as "fixers" who stand fallen cones back up, rotating every minute (3 min).

Rules

• The ball always rolls along the floor; bounced throws don't count.
• Roll from behind the line.
• No one crosses to the other side or touches cones with their feet.
• Fixers have priority: no rolling toward them while they reset cones.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student rolls from a wheelchair using a ramp made from a tilted bench, or pushes the ball with a pole.
• Visual impairment: place the cones along a raised tape line, and a partner gives voice directions.
• Advanced students: they must stop each incoming ball with one hand before rolling it again.

Learning goals

• Roll a ball low along the floor with direction and accuracy.
• Stop rolling balls with the hands.
• Respect the lines and team roles.

Equipment for a class of 25

• assorted playground balls: 20
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

Young students tend to throw standing up so the ball bounces; cue "fingers brush the floor." In a small gym, use foam balls so they don't rebound hard off the walls.

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