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Lesson 6 - Teamwork and Tuck Rolls

Body Awareness & Movement Control

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team whilst developing our rolling and balancing skills?

Learning Objectives

To work effectively as part of a team following simple instructions
To perform and link basic gymnastic actions including tuck position and rolling
To demonstrate improved core strength through sustained tuck positions

Key Outcomes

Students will work cooperatively in groups of 5-6 following team instructions
Students will perform 3 rocks and 1 tuck roll in sequence
Students will hold tuck position for 3-5 seconds with control

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

5.5 (4m x 2m each)

Place mats in designated areas with clear boundaries marked

Alternative: Crash mats or thick exercise mats

Benches

5-6

Position benches safely away from walls with landing space

Alternative: Low apparatus or sturdy boxes

Medicine Balls

One per team, stored in designated container

Alternative: Bean bags or foam balls

Balls

Alternative equipment for passing activities

Alternative: Small soft toys or foam blocks

Cones

Mark activity areas and number positions clearly

Alternative: Spots or chalk lines

Cards

3.5 sets

Large, clear numbers visible from distance

Alternative: Coloured bands or picture cards

Key Vocabulary

Tuck position

A curled-up body shape with knees drawn to chest and arms wrapped around legs

Rocking

Gentle back and forth movement whilst maintaining tuck position

Core strength

The muscles in your tummy that help you balance and move

Teamwork

Working together with others to achieve a goal

Sequence

Doing movements one after another in order

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and personal space
Simple balancing on different body parts
Following single-step instructions

Current Skills

Working cooperatively in small groups
Tuck position and rocking actions
Linking basic gymnastic movements

Next Steps

More complex rolling sequences
Partner work and matching movements
Creating simple gymnastic routines

Milestone Indicators

Maintains tuck position without assistance

Follows multi-step team instructions

Demonstrates smooth rolling motion

Key Teaching Points

Tuck position requires knees to chest, arms wrapped around shins, head tucked to peek between knees
Rocking motion should be smooth and controlled, using core strength rather than momentum
Teamwork requires listening, taking turns, helping others, and following team leaders
Safe equipment handling means controlled movements and awareness of teammates
Quality over speed - focus on good technique rather than rushing through activities
Teams work best when everyone has a clear role and supports each other
Core strength develops through sustained tuck positions and controlled rocking

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Rolling fast is better than controlled rolling. Correction: Emphasise smooth, controlled movements for safety and skill development
Misconception: Only team captains need to listen. Correction: All team members must listen and follow instructions
Misconception: Wrapping arms around knees in tuck position. Correction: Arms should wrap around shins for better control
Misconception: Teamwork means doing everything together. Correction: Teamwork includes taking turns and individual contributions
Misconception: If you can't roll, you're not successful. Correction: Quality rocking and tuck position are equally important achievements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear team roles, regular movement breaks between tasks

dyspraxia

Additional time for skill practice, simplified team movements, extra verbal guidance

autism spectrum

Clear team boundaries, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for equipment activities, tactile guidance for tuck position

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, written team numbers and instructions

physical disability

Adapted rolling on larger mats, seated team activities, modified tuck positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting in sequences 1-6, understanding ascending and descending order, timing activities

Science

Understanding forces during rocking and rolling, core strength and body systems

PSHE

Teamwork skills, leadership qualities, supporting others, following instructions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all team areas. Move between groups during activities to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for safe equipment handling, quality teamwork, and individual skill development

Intervention Points

Step in when teams struggle with organisation, safety issues arise, or students need technique support

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for tuck position. Model teamwork behaviour. Show safe equipment handling throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Tight tuck position!'
•'Work together as a team!'
•'Gentle rocking motion!'
•'Help your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 15m x 20m with mats covering floor areas

Surface Check

Clean, dry surface free from obstacles. Mats properly laid and secured

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check benches are stable and appropriate height
•Ensure balls and bean bags are in good condition
•Verify mats are thick enough for rolling activities

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during team activities
•Falls from benches
•Poor technique during rolling
•Equipment handling injuries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear team boundaries and adequate spacing
•Supervised bench activities with controlled mounting/dismounting
•Progressive skill building from rocking to rolling
•Appropriate equipment for age and ability level

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all team areas
•Monitor bench activities closely
•Check individual technique during rolling practice

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed