Instructions
Underarm rolling is when an object is propelled forwards along the ground.
- Stand facing forward
- Hold the object lightly in fingers
- Swing rolling arm backwards until straight and at shoulder height
- Step forward onto the opposite foot to throwing hand, bending both knees
- Swing the rolling arm forwards keeping the arm extended and relaxed with knuckles almost brushing the floor
- Release the object 6–12 inches in front of the lead foot
- Follow through in the direction of the target
Safety
Ensure…
- children roll object to stay within their ‘garden’
- equipment is picked up when not in use
Opportunity to develop
- Co-ordination
- Manipulative skills
- Spatial awareness
- Accuracy
If you see
| Observation | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Only the arm is involved in the skill | Stands front-on and does not step forward | Use markers for foot placement |
| Object bounces on release rather than rolls | Releases the object too high and does not bend the knees | Place targets for object to roll under |
| Object does not reach its target | Back swing is too weak | Hold an object behind the child so they have to reach behind them to pick it up. This will encourage back swing. |
| Object rolls off target | Follow through not aimed at target | Chalk lines to target, follow through along the line |
Can you see?
- the child stepping forwards onto the opposite foot to the hand rolling the object?
- the child swinging the arm holding the object straight forward?
- the child bending their knees as they step forwards?
- the child releasing the object close to the ground?
- the child rolling the object so that it reaches its target?
-
Mostly No
- Sit on the floor and roll an object in front of the body, around behind the body and to the side
- Roll an object to self from one hand to another, using a pushing action to roll the ball away
- Sit in straddle shape on the floor opposite a partner and roll a ball along the floor with two hands to a partner
- Crouch down and roll an object along the floor with two hands to a partner
- Stand facing forwards and roll an object with two hands either against a wall or to a partner
- Use nursery rhymes to encourage the child to co-ordinate the swing and step forward movement, e.g. ‘See-Saw Marjorie Daw’ – make reference to a pendulum action
- Roll a large object with two hands at large skittles or cones
- Roll object into a tunnel or under poles
- Step onto the opposite foot to the rolling hand – use chalk / coloured spots/feet to help with foot patterns
- Roll ball from kneeling position then move to one leg kneeling then standing with bent knees
-
Yes and No
- Roll an object between a narrow set of cones / ropes / chalk marks
- Roll an object to a partner first whilst sitting, then kneeling and then whilst standing
- Roll an object through a hoop held by partner
- Roll a large object at skittles; increase the distance, reduce numbers of skittles, place skittles further apart
- Roll a ball and chase to pick up; roll a ball for it to stop before a marker / rope / chalk lines
- Roll an object to go between wide goals
- Roll an object at various sized targets/goals
-
Mostly Yes
- Roll a ball to stay within a garden.
- Roll a ball between a set of cones / ropes / chalk marks. Reduce the width, roll from a greater distance. Roll a ball to a partner who stands in different places: in front, to the side, acting as a target. Roll the ball safely to them.
- Roll a ball at different speeds. Roll the ball slowly and try to get in front of it. Roll it fast and try to stop it.
- Roll a smaller ball to hit a target, e.g. a box or hoop. Aim to make the target smaller or further away to increase difficulty.
- Roll the ball between large goals with a partner in. Reduce the distance between the roller and goal. Make the goal wider or smaller; increase or decrease the size of the ball.
-
Challenge
- Roll around body up and down body, whilst standing, sitting or holding any other shape
- As above but balancing on a wobble spot
- Roll a ball to strike objects at a set distance away – bowls, ten pin bowling, skittles, etc.
- Roll a ball at different speeds and angles against a wall and move to collect it as quickly as possible
- Roll a ball against a wall and as it is returning, roll another ball against the wall; keep both balls moving for as long as possible
- Roll a ball in response to a range of cues, using both hands