Fall and Roll Exercises---Spectacular

Taken from Silver Bullets by Karl Rohnke

Directions: Ask the group to line up at the end of a field. Explain that they will be jogging up and down the field together, changing direction and body orientation on command. at the signal FALL, everyone must fall and roll from whatever position he/she is in at that moment. Try to initiate the falls from odd body positions to emphasize that falling is not always experienced in an ideal position. Twice up and down the field is sufficient for practice and still remains within the realm of fun. The following dramatic exercise can serve as a culmination to the fall and roll training. Ask the group to form a flanking line facing away from you with their eyes closed. Require a distance of about five feet between students. Indicate that you are going to walk behind the line and initiate a fall by delivering a push at their shoulders. Assure any students who do not want to participate that they are free to step aside (although very few will, at this point). Walk quietly behind the line and deliver controlled pushes to shoulder blades. The students are anticipating the shove, so little pressure is required to initiate the fall. Shove randomly so that the students don't know when their turn is coming. There is a paradoxical and gleeful push me/don't push me feeling associated with the anticipation. Actually, this "graduation" exercise is more fun than functional.

CONSIDERATION: Participants who continue to experience trouble with the basic shoulder roll often feel compelled (self and peer pressure) to try the more advanced fall and roll stunts before they are ready, and injury results. It's ironic, but unfortunately true, that a person can get hurt while they're training to avoid that same injury. It's part of your role to identify those individuals who need more practice and support.

Front Roll Practice Directions: Demonstrate falling forward from a standing or squatting position and continue into a front shoulder roll. The roll can be initiated either to the right or left, depending upon the force causing the fall, or the side which is most natural for the faller. If rolling on the right shoulder, the left hand is put out as a guide (not a brace). The right hand (palm down) and arm are extended in front of the individual. The elbow is slightly bent as the right forearm provides a surface for the beginning of the roll. The performer looks under the left armpit, thus ensuring that the head is in the proper position, and continues a forward rolling movement onto the right shoulder in tuck position and finally into a squat position. The actual roll is neither straight over (somersault) nor a lateral roll, but rather a forty-five degree combination.

Back Roll Practice Directions: The legs begin to bend as the body turns slightly toward the hip that is going to have first contact with the ground. Hands guide the tucked body as the roll is completed over the shoulder on the same side as the hip that made first contact. The front and back roll can be practiced first from a standing (or squatting) position and eventually, as practice and skill allow, from a jog or slow run.