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Lesson 5 - Rolling Techniques and Control

Animal Stories in Gymnastics

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Year 1

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Gymnastics

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Big Question

How can we use different body shapes to roll safely and with control?

Learning Objectives

To develop technique and control in barrel, straight and forward rolling
To understand how body shape affects rolling movement
To demonstrate safe practices when performing rolling activities

Key Outcomes

Students will perform controlled barrel and straight rolls maintaining correct body shape
Students will work cooperatively with partners during rolling activities
Students will demonstrate safe movement and apparatus handling

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

15 (one between two students)

Arrange in rows for easy circuit setup, ensure mats are flat and secure

Alternative: Yoga mats or carpet tiles for home practice

Balls

4 plus extras for extensions

Distribute to circuit stations, check for tears before use

Alternative: Small soft toys or bean-filled socks

Hoops

3 for forward roll station

Place flat on mats at station 4

Alternative: Cones or markers to create target areas

Relay Baton

1 for straight roll challenge

Ensure smooth edges, appropriate length for small hands

Alternative: Pool noodle or cardboard tube

Foam Wedge

1 if available

Check stability and secure positioning for forward roll practice

Alternative: Stacked mats or springboard

Key Vocabulary

Barrel roll

Rolling sideways keeping your body in a tucked position like a ball

Straight roll

Rolling from back to front keeping your body long and straight

Tucked position

Curled up small like a ball with knees close to chest

Dish shape

Lying on your back with arms and legs slightly lifted like a shallow bowl

Arch shape

Lying on your front with a gentle curve in your back

Momentum

The force that keeps you moving during a roll

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body shapes (tuck, straight, arch)
Simple travelling movements
Following safety rules in gymnastics

Current Skills

Barrel roll with tucked shape
Straight roll maintaining dish and arch shapes
Introduction to forward roll preparation

Next Steps

Independent forward rolls
Linking rolls with other gymnastics movements
Creating simple sequences

Milestone Indicators

Maintains consistent body shape throughout roll

Demonstrates spatial awareness when rolling

Shows confidence with apparatus and equipment

Key Teaching Points

Body shape consistency is more important than speed in all rolling activities
Safety through technique - shoulder blades contact ground first in forward rolls
Partner support and encouragement develops both social skills and technique
Progressive challenge through equipment use builds confidence and skill
Rolling requires whole-body coordination and spatial awareness
Quality of movement and control should always be emphasised over quantity of attempts

Common Misconceptions

Faster rolling is better rolling - emphasise control and technique over speed
Head touches ground first in forward rolls - teach shoulder blade contact for safety
All rolls are the same - clearly distinguish between different roll types and their purposes
Rolling is just for gymnastics - connect to movement patterns in other sports and activities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter station times, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback and refocusing

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for motor planning, simplified instructions, larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use textured mats for boundary awareness, verbal descriptions of each movement, partner guidance throughout

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instructions cards, tap signals for attention

physical disability

Seated rolling variations, upper body movements only, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rotations and turns, understanding directions (clockwise/anticlockwise), measuring distances rolled

Science

Forces and motion during rolling, gravity's effect on movement, momentum and energy transfer

Geography

Directional awareness, spatial concepts (forwards/backwards/sideways), mapping pathways

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, perseverance when learning challenging skills, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between stations during circuit work, prioritise forward roll station for safety support

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent body shapes, safe technique, and positive peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if technique becomes unsafe, students struggling with shape consistency, or negative peer dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Clear contrasts between different rolling shapes, emphasise safety points, show progression from simple to complex

Verbal Cues

•'Stay in your shape throughout the roll!'
•'Squeeze that beanbag tight!'
•'Slow and controlled - technique over speed!'
•'Support your partner by watching carefully!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or gymnasium with clear floor space minimum 15m x 10m

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from hazards and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all mats are in good condition with no tears or worn areas
•Ensure beanbags are intact with no loose filling
•Verify hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
•Check relay baton is smooth with no splinters

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Head/neck injury from incorrect rolling technique
•Collisions between students during activities
•Falls from loss of control during rolling
•Equipment-related injuries from damaged items

Risk Mitigation

•Teach correct technique progressively with support
•Ensure adequate spacing between mats and students
•Provide teacher support at forward roll station
•Emphasise control over speed throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at forward roll station for direct support
•Maintain visual contact with all stations during circuit
•Monitor partner work for appropriate cooperation

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures as needed