Front and Back Roll

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate proper form for a forward roll with assistance.
Students will be able to demonstrate proper form for a backward roll with assistance.
Students will work cooperatively with partners.
Students will follow safety guidelines.

Description Of Activity

Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Light jog around the designated area.
Dynamic stretches focusing on the back, neck, and shoulders.
Animal walks (bear walk, crab walk, inchworm)

1: Forward Roll with Therapy Ball 
Students lie on their backs with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Place a therapy ball between their knees and hug it tightly.
Instruct students to tuck their chin and roll forward over the ball, reaching their arms out in front to catch themselves.
The therapy ball helps students maintain a tucked position and encourages a smooth roll.

2: Partnered Forward Roll with Support 
Divide students into pairs.
One student kneels on the mat with hands shoulder-width apart, fingers pointed forward. This is the "spotter."
The other student positions themselves in a forward roll starting position in front of the spotter.
The student rolling forward tucks their chin and rolls over the spotter's legs, who provides gentle support on their back as they roll.

Station 3: Backwards Roll with Pool Noodle 
Students sit on the mat with legs extended in front.
Place a pool noodle lengthwise behind them, positioned at their lower back.
Instruct students to lean back, keeping their arms by their sides with palms facing forward.
As they lean back, the pool noodle will roll down their back, guiding them in a backward roll shape.

Station 4: Obstacle Course with Rolls 
Set up a mini obstacle course using spaced cones.
Include sections where students need to perform a forward roll under a cone or a backward roll over a cone.
Students take turns navigating the course, incorporating the learned roles.
Gentle stretches focusing on back and core muscles.
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises.

Assessment:
Observe students' attempts at forward and backward rolls with and without equipment.
Provide feedback on form and safety throughout the activity.
Encourage peer encouragement and positive reinforcement.

Differentiation:
For students who need more support, provide additional assistance during partnered rolls or offer modifications to the equipment usage.
For advanced students, encourage them to connect multiple rolls or attempt the rolls without equipment assistance after demonstrating proper form.
Safety Considerations:

Ensure the activity area is free of obstacles.
Instruct students to keep their chins tucked and arms in during rolls for proper neck protection.
Encourage students to communicate with their partners and spotters.
Remind students to listen to their bodies and stop if they experience any pain.

Equipment/Material Required

Mats (enough for all students)
Therapy balls (1 per student)
Pool noodles (cut in half, 1 per student)
Space cones (4)