Lesson 3 - Rolling Techniques and Control
Body Control & Apparatus Skills
•Year 5
•Gymnastics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use momentum and body tension to perform controlled and fluent rolling movements?
Learning Objectives
- To develop and refine straight, barrel, forward, straddle and backward rolling techniques
- To demonstrate increasing control and fluency in gymnastic actions
- To apply strength and flexibility to improve the quality of rolling skills
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform at least three different rolling techniques with improved control
- Students will demonstrate understanding of momentum and body tension in rolling movements
- Students will show progression in their ability to link rolling movements with other gymnastic actions
Equipment & Resources Required
Place at each station for safe landing surfaces
Alternative: Yoga mats, crash mats
Position for jumping activity at station 4
Alternative: Vault box, sturdy bench
Set up for bunny hops at station 5
Alternative: Balance beam, sturdy plank
Mark area for plank clock activity
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Create slope for easier rolling practice
Alternative: Folded mats, inclined surface
Key Vocabulary
The force that keeps a moving object moving and helps in rolling movements
Keeping muscles tight and controlled to maintain good shape
Knees drawn up to chest, chin tucked in, creating a ball shape
Legs wide apart with hands reaching towards or touching shins
Legs straight together with body bent at hips
Smooth, flowing movement without stops or jerky actions
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic forward roll technique from Year 4
- Understanding of tucked and straight body shapes
- Experience of moving on apparatus safely
Current Skills
- Developing five different rolling techniques
- Understanding momentum and body tension
- Performing rolls with increased control and fluency
Next Steps
- Linking rolls into sequences
- Performing rolls on different levels and surfaces
- Creating gymnastics routines incorporating rolling movements
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Momentum is essential for completing rolling movements smoothly and safely
- Body tension must be maintained throughout all rolling techniques for quality and control
- Different rolls require different starting positions and movement patterns
- Safety awareness is critical when working with apparatus and in group situations
- Quality of movement is more important than speed or quantity of repetitions
- Technique progression from basic to advanced variations builds confidence and skill
- Cooperative learning at stations enhances both individual and group development
Common Misconceptions
- That momentum means rolling as fast as possible - momentum should be controlled and purposeful
- That all rolls are the same - each rolling technique has specific requirements and applications
- That apparatus makes rolling easier - apparatus can add complexity and requires additional safety awareness
- That body tension means being stiff - appropriate tension maintains shape while allowing fluid movement
- That rolling is just for gymnastics - rolling skills transfer to many other physical activities and sports
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts at each station, clear movement boundaries, frequent positive feedback and refocusing
dyspraxia
- Slower demonstration of techniques, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, physical guidance when needed
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of station rotations, quiet space available, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use tactile markers for starting positions, verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards at stations, hand signals for communication
physical disability
- Seated rolling variations, upper body only movements, modified apparatus or eliminate agility table
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Geometry - body shapes (arch, dish, tuck), angles during rolling, timing and measurement
Science
Forces and motion - understanding momentum, gravity effects on rolling, body systems during exercise
PSHE
Perseverance and resilience when learning difficult skills, cooperation and teamwork at stations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously between stations with primary focus on agility table area for safety supervision
Observation Focus
Monitor rolling technique, body tension, momentum use, and safety awareness at all stations
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe technique, poor apparatus use, or when students struggle with basic movements
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating. Show common mistakes as well as correct technique. Demonstrate slowly then at normal speed
Verbal Cues
- •'Chin to chest!'
- •'Strong body tension!'
- •'Roll sideways first!'
- •'Use your momentum!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large gymnasium or hall minimum 15m x 15m with clear floor space for apparatus
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all mats are thick enough and positioned correctly
- •Ensure agility table is stable and appropriate height
- •Verify bench is secure and suitable for bunny hops
- •Confirm hoops have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Head/neck injury during rolling
- •Collisions between students at stations
- •Falls from agility table
- •Incorrect rolling technique causing injury
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing between students during rolling
- •Proper technique instruction before practice
- •Constant supervision at apparatus stations
- •Clear boundaries and rotation procedures
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all five stations
- •Prioritise agility table supervision
- •Monitor rolling technique continuously
- •Ensure safe apparatus handling
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed