The Leg Tunnel Carries the Ball Home

The whole class stands in a line with legs apart to make a tunnel for a rolling ball; the last child picks it up, runs to the front and rolls it again, so the line moves forward to the finish. It practices rolling and picking up, short sprints and group cooperation.

How to play

1. Mark the start and finish with two ropes about 50 feet apart. Kids stand in a line facing the finish, legs apart and close together (2 min).
2. Try it: the first child turns around and rolls the ball back through the tunnel; if it stops, each child nudges it along with their hands (2 min).
3. The last child picks up the ball, runs along the side to the front, spreads their legs and rolls it again: the line moves forward (3 min).
4. Class challenge: how many rolls does it take until the front child steps on the finish line? Count out loud (3 min).
5. Celebrate at the finish with an arch of arms everyone walks through (2 min).

Rules

• My open legs are the tunnel walls.
• I push the ball with my hands, no kicking.
• I run outside the line, not through it.
• The line gets to the finish together.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair sits at the end to collect the ball, and a buddy carries it to the front.
• Autism: give a fixed spot in line (for example, always second) and say when it's their turn to run.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell and have the friend in front call “Ball!” as it arrives.

Learning goals

• Roll and pick up a large ball.
• Coordinate movements with the group.
• Count and compare a shared effort.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large balls: 2
• Ropes: 2

Teacher tip

Keep the line tight or the ball escapes out the sides. Runners often stand too far ahead at the front, so say “right behind the first friend.”

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