Lesson 4 - Rolling Techniques
Partner Sequence Creation
•Year 3
•Gymnastics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can different types of rolls help us create flowing gymnastics sequences that tell a story?
Learning Objectives
- To develop proficiency in straight, barrel, and forward rolls with control and precision
- To create sequences that demonstrate smooth transitions between movements
- To understand the importance of body position and timing in gymnastics rolls
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform three different types of rolls with improved technique
- Students will create a sequence combining rolls, balances, and jumps with smooth transitions
- Students will demonstrate understanding of safety principles in gymnastics
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread evenly around space with clear pathways between
Alternative: Exercise mats, yoga mats for basic practice
Position near teaching area for demonstrations
Alternative: Stacked small mats to create gentle slope
Cover with mat if using for assisted forward rolls
Alternative: Small bench or step (with mat covering)
Key Vocabulary
A sideways roll performed in a tight tuck position, like rolling a barrel
A roll performed with extended body from arch to dish position
A roll forward over the head with hands supporting and chin tucked
A tight curled shape with knees drawn to chest
A curved backward body position lifting chest and legs
A curved forward body position creating a shallow bowl shape
A folded position with straight legs and body bent at hips
A series of movements linked together smoothly
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic gymnastics shapes (pike, tuck, straddle)
- Simple balances on different body parts
- Log rolls and simple sideways movements
Current Skills
- Controlled barrel rolls maintaining tuck position
- Straight rolls from arch to dish shapes
- Forward rolls with proper chin and hand placement
Next Steps
- Combining rolls with travel and direction changes
- Partner sequences and mirroring
- Introduction to apparatus-based rolling
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety through correct technique - never rush rolling movements
- Hand placement beside knees in forward rolls prevents injury
- Chin to chest position protects neck during forward rolling
- Tight tuck position throughout barrel rolls maintains control
- Body extension in straight rolls develops core strength and awareness
- Partner responsibility creates shared commitment to safety
- Sequential skill building ensures confident progression
Common Misconceptions
- Forward rolls should go over the head - correct by emphasising shoulder rolling
- Faster rolling is better - emphasise control and technique over speed
- Hands should go inside knees for forward rolls - demonstrate correct wide placement
- All rolls are the same - clearly differentiate the three types and their purposes
- Rolling is just fun with no skill required - highlight the technical precision needed
- You can't get hurt doing rolls - emphasise safety awareness and proper technique
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use energetic warm-ups, offer movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Use simplified instructions, provide extra practice time, offer physical guidance, break complex movements into smaller components
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet space if needed, use visual schedule cards, maintain consistent language and expectations
visual impairment
- Provide clear verbal descriptions of movements, use tactile guidance for body positions, pair with supportive buddy, ensure mats have contrasting colours
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations consistently, provide written instruction cards, use clear hand signals, ensure good sight lines for lip reading
physical disability
- Adapt rolls to seated or supported positions, use wedges or slopes for assistance, modify to partial movements, focus on achievable elements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, descriptive vocabulary for movements, explaining techniques to others, storytelling through movement
Maths
Counting repetitions, sequencing numbers, spatial concepts of direction and position, shape recognition and creation
Science
Forces and motion in rolling movements, body systems during exercise, gravity and momentum in gymnastics
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, building confidence through achievement, resilience when facing challenges, responsibility for others' safety
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room perimeter to observe all pairs, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct hand placement in forward rolls, maintained tuck in barrel rolls, body extension in straight rolls
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for incorrect head position, unsafe rolling speed, or poor spatial awareness
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, provide multiple viewing angles, repeat key safety points consistently
Verbal Cues
- •'Chin to chest!'
- •'Hands wide like a basketball!'
- •'Stay tight like a roly-poly!'
- •'Roll over shoulders, not your head!'
- •'Give your partner space!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 12m x 15m hall space with non-slip surface, adequate height clearance
Surface Check
Clean, dry, even surface free from obstacles, appropriate gymnastics flooring or suitable hard floor
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Mats checked for wear, tears, or damage before use
- •Mats positioned securely with no overlapping edges
- •Optional equipment (wedges, springboards) inspected and stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Head and neck injury from incorrect rolling technique
- •Collisions between students during practice
- •Falls or slips when transitioning on/off mats
- •Overexertion or strain from repetitive movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear demonstration of correct technique before practice
- •Strict turn-taking system with only one student rolling at a time
- •Adequate spacing between mats and practice areas
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
- •Immediate correction of unsafe technique
- •Partner responsibility system for safety monitoring
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all mats simultaneously
- •Active monitoring of rolling technique, especially forward rolls
- •Quick intervention for unsafe practices
- •Regular checks on student fatigue levels
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if qualified, call for additional support if needed