Underarm Roll

child throwing a beanbag

The underarm roll should be introduced during early childhood (ages 3 - 6). The underarm roll starts as a simple push of the ball with both hands and gradually develops into a smooth, controlled action. By age 6+, children can accurately roll a ball towards a target. Underarm rolling is a foundational skill that can progress to more advanced skills like underarm throwing and pitching. 

Teaching cues
  1. Face your target.  
  2. Crouch: Bend your knees and lean forward slightly, keeping your back straight to maintain balance and control.  
  3. Step, swing, roll & point.  
    • Step - step forward with opposite foot to rolling arm. 
    • Swing – straight arm, starts behind your body and swings forward (like a swing). 
    • Roll - release the ball close to the ground.  
    • Point - rolling arm follows through in a straight line.
Teaching strategies

Simplify the Skill

  • Break down the skill into steps. Teach kids to bend their knees slightly, swing their arm back, and roll the ball smoothly toward the target. 
  • Focus on the arm movement first before worrying about accuracy.
  • Demonstrate the correct technique by rolling the ball slowly and clearly, emphasising how to keep it low to the ground and roll it straight.

Targets 

  • Set up soft, large targets (like cones or buckets) to help children aim and understand where they want the ball to go.
  • Use a slow ball - start with soft balls like foam or tennis balls to help children practice underarm rolling without worrying about speed or difficulty.

Fun Games 

  • Explore how to roll the ball far and close, or faster and slower. 
  • Experiment with different sized balls. 

Targets 

  • Use different targets like cones, hula hoops or marked areas on the ground. 
  • Encourage children to roll the ball and aim for specific targets, helping to improve both accuracy and distance control.

Distance Control

  • Gradually increase the distance between the child and the target. 
  • Encourage them to adjust their strength and technique to roll the ball accurately over different lengths.

Fun Games 

  • Practice rolling the ball over different distances, adjusting strength and technique to match the required target area.
  • Play games that involve strategy and teamwork like Corner Bowls or Bowls
  • Connect the underarm roll to more advanced skills like underarm throwing or softball pitching. Practice the transition from rolling to throwing. 

Ask Questions:

  • How can the speed or power of the roll affect the outcome of the game?
  • Does a faster roll make it easier or harder to hit your target? Why?
Skill criteria
  1. Body Position: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and body facing the target.
  2. Arm Movement: Swing the arm back and forward smoothly, with the elbow slightly bent, releasing the ball low to the ground. 
  3. Ball Control: Release the ball with a smooth, underarm motion to roll it straight towards the target.
  4. Follow-Through: After releasing the ball, the arm should follow through, pointing towards the target. 
  5. Balance: Maintain good balance throughout the motion, with a stable stance and smooth arm action.
  6. Accuracy: Aim to roll the ball in a straight line towards the target, adjusting power and direction for precision.
Common errors
  • Stepping forward with the same foot as the rolling arm
  • Not stepping at all
  • No follow-through
  • Releasing the ball too soon or too late
  • Not releasing the ball close enough to the ground

More underarm roll activities

bombard
Underarm Throw, Underarm Roll
Child rolling a ball underarm
Underarm Roll
Underarm Throw, Underarm Roll