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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can perform a variety of rolls with good form.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: keeping your body tight and engaging the core will maintain control and momentum when rolling.
      2. Move: tucking your chin during a roll protects the neck, keeps the head aligned and ensures a controlled roll.
      3. Think: rolls are useful when transitioning between balances to add creativity and interest to a sequence.
      4. Feel: rhythm, flow and body awareness develops during practice of rolls and helps to build confidence.
      5. Connect: watching peers carefully to give feedback on technique requires focus and prioritising teaching points.

      Keywords

      • Roll - a movement where the body rotates around an axis, usually along the floor or on apparatus

      • Station - a designated area where students perform a specific activity or exercise as part of a station-based skill development session

      • Sequence - a series of movements performed in a planned order to create a smooth and continuous routine

      Common misconception

      Pupils often forget to tuck their head when performing forward and backward rolls causing a rough landing or strain on their neck.

      The chin should be tucked gently into the chest looking at their stomach. This will protect the neck and keep the head aligned.

      Teacher tip

      It is important to spend time with the groups working on forward and backward rolls making sure that they are tucking their chin and are performing the skills safely to avoid injury.

      Equipment

      1 mat between 2

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      At what speed should you enter a balance?

      fast
      medium speed
      Correct answer: slow

      Q2.
      What should a balance be performed with?

      Correct answer: control and stability
      power and speed
      flexibility and dynamics

      Q3.
      How many points of contact are there on the floor in an arabesque?

      Correct answer: one
      two
      three

      Q4.
      Where should the hands be when in a handstand?

      ahead
      Correct answer: shoulder width apart
      high

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      In a dish roll, your legs are slightly off the ground. Where are your arms?

      on the floor
      behind you
      Correct answer: overhead

      Q2.
      What do rolls add to a sequence?

      flexibility and stillness
      danger and extension
      Correct answer: creativity and interest

      Q3.
      What should you look for when observing and assessing other people performing their rolls?

      Correct answer: correct technique
      correct kit
      correct speed

      Q4.
      Which muscles should you engage to give you the most stability when performing a roll?

      Correct answer: core muscles
      arm muscles
      leg muscles

      To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Accurate replication of rolls, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...