Rock and Roll
Rocking, rolling and tumbling on mats: rock like a boat, roll like a log, curl and rock like a ball. Builds the core and vestibular sense that later balance depends on.
Overview
You need
MatsOptional: Music player
Skills developed
- Stability: core control while rocking
- Body awareness: curling, extending
- Vestibular: tolerating rolling and spinning
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Lay mats end to end with clear space around them.
2Step 2
Two or three children per mat, sitting at the end. Coach kneels beside the mats.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- Boat: sit, knees bent, rock forward and back holding your shins.
- Ball: curl up tight and rock side to side.
- Log: lie straight, arms above head, roll along the mat. Then roll back.
- Finish: lie still as a fallen log for a count of ten.
Tips for explaining
"Chin to chest for the ball." Keeps the head safe and the shape round.
"Straight as a pencil." For the log roll: arms up, legs together.
Make it easier / harder
EasierRock only, no rolling. Coach rolls them gently.
HarderLog roll to a target. Ball rock into a sit-up.
Safety
Mats only, never bare floor. No forward rolls at this age without a trained coach. Clear the mat ends.
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Rather we ran it for you?
This is one of the games our coaches run in pre-schools every week, with our own equipment. Weekly enrichment, sports days, or a whole holiday programme for your centre, planned in one message.