Through-the-Legs Circle Roll

Standing in a circle with their legs apart like goals, students roll a ball to sneak it between a classmate's legs while everyone blocks with their hands. It works on rolling a ball with aim, quick reactions, and accuracy.

How to play

1. Make 2 circles of 12 or 13 students standing and facing in, legs wide, with each foot touching the foot of the person next to them (2 minutes).
2. Everyone leans forward with knees slightly bent and hands out front: your legs are the goal and your hands are the goalie.
3. Give a soft ball to one student, who rolls it with two hands to try to get it between any classmate's legs.
4. Everyone else blocks the ball with their hands only, without closing their legs. Whoever stops it rolls it toward someone else.
5. If the ball goes between your legs, speed-walk one lap around the outside of the circle and return to your spot; nobody is out.
6. After 5 minutes, add a second ball. In the last 4 minutes, roll with the non-dominant hand only and switch spots in the circle.

Rules

• The ball always rolls along the floor, never through the air.
• You may not close your legs to block.
• If the ball leaves the circle, the closest student gets it.
• Anyone doing a lap stays outside the circle and doesn't push anyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair plays with two cones beside them as a goal and blocks with their hands.
• Autism: give a heads-up before the second ball comes in and let the student choose a spot next to a trusted classmate.
• Fitness level: a student who has trouble bending over can defend on their knees with a narrower goal.

Learning goals

• Roll a ball with the right direction and force.
• React quickly to block a moving ball.
• Enjoy the game and accept goals scored against you.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft balls: 4

Teacher tip

Stress the goalie stance: legs wide, knees slightly bent, and hands low; this prevents head bumps when leaning down. Move students around the circle so they don't always roll to the same classmate.

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