Rolling Hoop Target Throw

In small groups, one student rolls a large hoop down a lane while the others try to throw foam balls through it as it passes. It builds aim at a moving target, timing the release, and control when rolling a hoop.

How to play

1. Make 5 groups of 5: one roller and four throwers. Throwers line up behind a cone line, each holding a foam ball (2 minutes).
2. Use cones to mark a lane parallel to the line, 10 feet (3 m) from the throwers. The roller stands at one end of the lane with a large hoop.
3. The roller rolls the hoop upright in a straight line down the lane. As it passes in front of them, each thrower tries to get their ball through it, underhand or overhand.
4. Every ball that goes through the hoop is 1 point for the group. After each pass, two throwers collect the balls and the roller returns to the start.
5. Switch rollers every 2 minutes so everyone learns to roll the hoop fast enough without it tipping over (10 minutes).
6. In the last 6 minutes, each group goes for its best score in 5 passes while you change the lane distance: 6, 10, or 13 feet.

Rules

• Only throw when the hoop is in front of you, never toward the roller.
• Nobody steps into the lane until the hoop has stopped.
• One ball per thrower on each pass.
• The roller may not slow the hoop down to help the group.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair throws with the lane at 6 feet, or serves as roller, pushing the hoop with one hand.
• Visual impairment: the roller calls "Now!" as the hoop passes, and use a brightly colored hoop.
• Skill level: each thrower picks the distance and type of throw they feel confident with.

Learning goals

• Throw accurately at a moving target.
• Time the release based on the hoop's speed.
• Roll a hoop in a straight line with control.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 5
• foam balls: 20
• cones: 15

Teacher tip

Teach hoop rolling before the game: hand on top and a gentle push forward. If students miss a lot, slow the hoop down; the challenge is accuracy, not throwing hard.

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