TUMBLING
UNIT PLAN
TUMBLING UNIT
Grade Level
Length of unit: 15 days
 7th Graders
 8th Graders
 9th Graders
Written By: Carol Dosmann
Educational Objectives & Standards
Unit Objectives
State Standards
1. SWD: knowledge of how to perform forward and backward rolls and
spotting
1PA-E1 PO4 1PA-E3 PO1
2. SWD: knowledge of how to perform cartwheels and spotting
1PA-E1 PO4 1PA-E3 PO1
3. SWD: knowledge of front and back limbers and spotting
1PA-E1 PO4 1PA-E3 PO1
4. SWD: application of balances, leaps and turns
1PA-E1 PO3
5. SWD: knowledge of handstands and spotting
1PA-E1 PO4 1PA-E3 PO1
6. SWD: application of performing a pass consisting of 10 or more skills
5PA-E2 PO1 1PA-E1 PO4, PO5
7. SWD: application of demonstrating and/or spotting 10 skills for the
teacher
1PA-E1 PO4
8. SWD: knowledge of tumbling through a written test
W-E3 PO3
9.
Mastery Elements










Forward rolls
Backward rolls
Cartwheels
Running cartwheel
One hand cartwheel
Round off
Back limber
Back kick over
Back walkover
Page 1 of 18






Leap
Knee scale
Front scale
Pike jump
Tuck jump
Hitch kick










Pirouette
Cat leap
One leg squat
Tripod
Headstand
Handstand
Handstand roll
Back extension
Front limber
Front walkover
726814591
Unit Plan
Daily Overview
Day 1
Intro
Why tumble
Desired outcomes
Attire
Evaluation
Rules-safety
Procedures
Forward roll
Day 6
W.U.
Stretch
Rv.- leaps, turns,
balances
Teach- back limber
Back kick over
Back walkover
Day 11
W.U.
Stretch
Practice
Demo skills for list
Page 2 of 18
Day 2
Day 3
W.U.
Stretch
Review-fwd roll
Teach- straddle
Pike
Needle
combos
W.U.
Stretch
Review-fwd rolls
Teach –backward roll
Cartwheel
One hand cartwheel
Running cartwheel
Day 7
W.U.
Stretch
Rv- back limber
Teach- tripod
Headstand
Handstand
Handstand roll
Day 12
W.U.
Stretch
Practice and record
pass
Day 8
W.U.
Stretch
Rv- handstand
Teach- back
extension
Front limber
Front walkover
Day 13
W.U.
Stretch
Demonstrate or
practice pass
Day 4
Day 5
W.U.
W.U.
Stretch
Rv.-cartwheel
Teach- round off
Running round off
Combo of three skills
Stretch
Rv.-round offs
Teach- balances
Leaps
Turns
Day 9
W.U.
Stretch
Rv- front limber
Students make list of
10 skills for testing
Practice
Day 10
W.U.
Stretch
Practice
Demo skills for list
Day 14
W.U.
Stretch
Demonstrate or
practice pass
Day 15
W.U.
Stretch
Written test
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: Tumbling mats
UNIT: Tumbling
Day: 1
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 1PA-E1 PO4 1PA-E3 PO1
OBJECTIVE: SWD: knowledge of performing and spotting the forward roll
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: This is the start of a 3 wk unit on tumbling.
We will go over safety and what this unit will cover. And
we will begin with the forward roll today.
Fitness: W. U. and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Why tumble
Desired outcome
Attire
Evaluation
Rules
Class procures
Forward roll
1) Strength, flexibility, balance, endurance,
coordination, social skill, creativity
2) Increase your fitness level, appreciate the
sport of tumbling, learn tumbling and spotting
skills, increase discipline skills
3) Unrestrictive clothing, spandex under shorts,
tie up lose hair, tuck shirts in shorts, clean
socks.
4) Check off sheet for demo and/or spot 10
skills, demo of pass consisting of 10 skills,
written test
5) Teacher must be present before you start to
tumble, tumbling must be performed on mats,
know your limitations, always use spotters,
make sure you have enough space,
6) Warm-up, stretch, introduce stunt, demo
spotting technique, practice, closure
7) Forward roll- squat position with hands on
mat, tuck chin to chest, knees to chest as you
roll forward by pushing off feet.
Spotting- hands on back and ankle
Cues- chin to chest, stay rounded, push with feet, roll
on back
Closure:
Tell me one benefit you may gain by tumbling.
How do you perform the forward roll?
Page 3 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: Tumbling mats
UNIT: Tumbling
Day: 2
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 1PA-E1 PO4 1PA-E3 PO1
OBJECTIVE: SWD: knowledge of how to perform and spot a variety of forward rolls
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: Today we will review the forward roll and learn
how to perform it in the straddle, pike and needle
positions.
Fitness: W.U. and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Review forward roll
Straddle roll
Pike roll
Needle roll
Perform three forward rolls in a row
1) Chin to chest, stay round, push and roll on
back
2) Stand in straddle position, hands on ground
between legs, chin to chest, roll forward- you
may finish with legs together or challenge
yourself to keep them in the straddle at end
3) Stand with legs together, hands on ground in
front trying to keep legs as straight as
possible, roll forward- your may finish with
legs together and bent to a standing position
or challenge yourself to finish keeping legs
straight as you finish.
4) Stand on one leg and extend to other upward
as you place your hands on the ground, roll
forward ending as a regular forward roll
5) Perform three rolls in a row in any
combination you are comfortable doing. Try to
make it flow together.
Closure:
As we perform combinations of skills we learn, why
do you think I will ask you to put them together so
that they flow together nicely?
Page 4 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: Tumbling mats
UNIT: tumbling
Day: 3
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 1PA-E1 PO4 1PA-E3 PO1
OBJECTIVE: SWD: knowledge of how to perform backward rolls and spotting
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: Today we are going to learn how to perform and
spot backward rolls
Fitness :W.U. and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Review forward rolls
Teach backward roll
Cartwheel
One handed cartwheel
Running cartwheel
1) Review tuck, straddle, pike and needle rolls
2) Students find their own spot on the mat to
practice partial roll by starting in tuck position,
roll back with knees to chest, hands by ears
with palms up and stopping for teacher to
check rolling and hand position. Spottinghands on back and ankles. When students
are ready, hands must be in position by ears,
palms up to help push themselves over.
3) Beginners may practice with a folded mat in
front of them to place their hands on. Hand,
Hand, foot, foot (feet must land over the mat
and helps them get the legs over) Spottingcross hand position at the waist standing
behind them.
4) When student masters cartwheel, onehanded cartwheel is performed by placing
only the first hand down. Spotting is the same
as cartwheel.
5) Begin with three steps into cartwheel and
when ready a short run into cartwheel.
Closure:
What are the cues for the cartwheel?
What are some variations of the cartwheel?
Page 5 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: tumbling mats
UNIT: tumbling
Day: 4
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 1PA-E1 PO4 1PA –E3 PO1
OBJECTIVE: SWD: knowledge of how to perform and spot cartwheels and round offs
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: Today you will learn how to perform and spot the
cartwheel and round off.
Fitness: W.U. and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Review cartwheel
Round off
Running round off
Combo of three skills
1) Hand, hand, foot, foot Spotting- cross hand at the
waist behind tumbler
2) Begin as a cartwheel and when legs are
above your head and hands, bring legs
together and bend at hips to finish facing
where you started.
3) Begin with three steps into round off and
progress to a running round off
4) Perform three skills in a row; skills should flow
together smoothly.
Closure:
How do you perform and spot the round off?
Page 6 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: tumbling mats
UNIT: tumbling
Day:5
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 1PA –E1 PO3
OBJECTIVE: SWD: application of balances, leaps and turns
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: Today we are going to learn a number of
balances, leaps and turns.
Fitness: W.U. and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
Review round offs
Cat leap
Split leap
Lunge
One leg squat
Knee scale
Front scale
Pike jump
Tuck jump
Hitch kick
Pirouette
1) Hand, hand, feet together
2) Knees are in a bent position , pointed outward
as you hop one leg than the other and land
one leg than the other.
3) Take off with the back leg, lead leg straight
out in front , performing a split position in the
air and landing on the lead leg first.
4) Lunge to the side putting your arms in a
position that looks good
5) Balance on one leg with the other straight out
in front of you, go as low as you can.
6) Balance on one knee with the other extended
straight behind you.
7) Balance on one leg with the other extended
straight behind you.
8) Jump and keep you legs straight and together
in front of you.
9) Jump and bring your knees up to your chest
10) Kick on leg at a time with your legs straight
11) Full turn on one foot, starting and ending
facing the same direction.
Closure:
Name a balance that we learned today.
Name a turn that we learned today.
Name a leap that we learned today.
Page 7 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: tumbling mats
UNIT: tumbling
Day: 6
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 1PA-E1 PO4 1PA-E3 PO1
OBJECTIVE: SWD: knowledge of back limbers and spotting
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: Today we are going to learn how to perform and
spot the back limber, kick over and walkover.
Fitness: W.U. and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Review leaps, turns and balances
Back limber
Back kick over
Back walkover
1) Perform a pass the length of your mats using
as many leaps, turns and balances as you
can
2) Stand with your hands above your head,
watching your hands as you bend backward
until your hands are on the ground. Fold down
by bending at the waist. Spotting- one hand
on the back, one hand on the back of thigh,
supporting as they bend back.
3) Do a back limber and kick one leg over than
the other. Spotting- same as above, hand
behind thigh should be leg kicking over first.
4) As you bend backwards, lead leg starts to kick
over. Spotting- same as above.
Closure:
How do you spot a back limber?
Do you spot any differently for the back walkover?
Page 8 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: tumbling mats
UNIT: tumbling
Day: 7
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 1PA-E1 PO4 1PA-E3 PO1
OBJECTIVE: SWD: knowledge of performing handstands and spotting
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: Today we are going to learn to perform and spot
handstands.
Fitness: W.U. and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Review- back limber
Tripod
Headstand
Handstand
Handstand-roll
1) Practice spotting and/or performing back
limber, back kick over and back walkover
2) Place head and hands in a triangle position
with head at the top and hands making the
base of the triangle. Balance knees on your
elbows. Spotting- help keep balance position
hand on back and leg.
3) From tripod position extend legs over head.
Spot legs and back for balance.
4) From standing position with hands straight by
ears, kick up one leg than the other. Keep
body and elbows straight and tight. Spottingcatch lead leg as it is kicked up. Have student
step down out of handstand.
5) From handstand position, tuck chin to chest
and knees to chest as you roll forward.
Spotting- hold on to legs and guide them
down and forward.
Closure:
What position are your head and hands in during a
tripod?
Describe the body position during a proper
handstand.
Page 9 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: tumbling mats
UNIT: tumbling
Day: 8
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 1PA-E1 PO4 1PA-E3 PO1
OBJECTIVE: SWD: Knowledge of performing and spotting back extension, front limber and front walkover
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: Today we are going to perform and spot a
back extension, front limber and front walkover.
Fitness: W.U. and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Review handstand
Back extension
Front limber
Front walkover
1) Arms straight and by ears, body tight, kick up
into handstand. Spotter on each side of you
2) Back roll into a handstand. Spotter on each
side, as student rolls back, take hold of ankle
and help pop up into a handstand, step out
one leg at a time.
3) Handstand into a forward back bend. Spotter
on each side, hold leg and back as student
bends forward. As they continue forward to a
standing position, spot by one hand on back
and other assisting arms.
4) For the advanced student, kick one leg at a
time and continue forward landing on one foot
and coming to a standing position as the other
foot comes forward. Spotting- one hand on
back the other guiding arms above head.
Closure:
What two skills are needed for the back extension?
Page 10 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: tumbling mats, paper, pencils
UNIT: tumbling
Day: 9
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 1PA-E1 PO4
OBJECTIVE: SWD: application of performing and/or spotting 10 skills for the teacher
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: Today your going to make a list of 10 skills
you will perform or spot for the teacher. You will
have time the next three days to practice and
check off skills with the teacher as you are
ready.
Fitness: W.U. and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1) Review front limber and front walkover
2) Make a list of 10 skills to perform or spot
3) Practice
1) Practice skills from yesterday. Put two or
three of them together or use one in
combination with other skills you have learned
for example, forward roll, cartwheel, front
limber.
2) Make list of 10 skills that teacher will initial as
you perform them.
3) Practice skills you are going to perform or
spot
Closure:
Make sure your name is at the top of your list. Put
the list in the folder and pencils away before you
leave. Any questions about the list or what skills you
could perform or spot for this evaluation?
Page 11 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: tumbling mats, lists
UNIT: tumbling
Day: 10-11
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 1PA-E1 PO4
OBJECTIVE: SWD: application of performing and/or spotting 10 skills for the teacher
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: Today you are going to practice and begin
performing and/or spotting your 10 skills. You will
perform 2 skills for me to initial off and go back to your
mat to practice 2 more skills until you are ready to
perform them. Try to get 4 to 6 skills checked off each
day to complete 10 in two days.
Fitness: W.U. and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1) Practice
2) Demo skills for list
1) Students will practice and spot each other on
their own while teacher is testing at a mat only
used for testing.
2) Student will hand list to teacher and is allowed
to perform 2 skills to be initialed off. Student
goes back to own mat to practice 2 more skills
until they feel they are ready to test again.
Closure:
Turn in list to the folder before dismissal.
Page 12 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: tumbling mats, paper, pencils
UNIT: tumbling
Day: 12
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 5PA-E2 PO1 1PA-E1 PO4, PO5
OBJECTIVE: SWD: application of performing a pass consisting of 10 or more skills
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: Today you will begin practicing and
writing down your pass consisting of 10 or more
skills. Remember to put together a pass that
flows well and it must practiced enough that it is
memorized. I will have your paper to check off
while you perform your pass.
Fitness: W.U. and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1) Practice and record pass
1) Students must put together a flowing pass of
10 skills they are comfortable performing.
This pass must be written down for the
teacher to look at while the pass is being
performed. The 10 balance, turn and leap
skills learned are easy for the beginner to put
together for a nice pass.
Closure:
Someone give me an example of three skills that flow
or connect well together.
Page 13 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: tumbling mats, paper with pass
UNIT: tumbling
Day: 13-14
LOCATION: gym
STANDARDS: 5PA-E2 PO1 1PA-E1 PO4, PO5
OBJECTIVE: SWD: application of performing a pass consisting of 10 or more skills
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro: Today and tomorrow you will practice and
perform your pass for me. Names have been drawn for
the order of performance.
Fitness: Warm-up and stretch
Lesson Focus:
1) Practice or demonstration of pass
1) After 5 minutes to practice, first student will begin
performing at a designated mat. Other students may
continue practicing until their turn. When students are
done performing they are to go help students that are
still practicing.
Closure:
Turn your pass paper in to the file before dismissal.
Written test will be Friday.
Page 14 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
DATE: ______________________ EQUIPMENT: written test, pencil
UNIT: tumbling
Day: 15
LOCATION: gym or classroom
STANDARDS: W-E3 PO3
OBJECTIVE: SWD: knowledge of tumbling through a written test
ACTIVITIES
CUE PHRAZES/INSTRUCTIONS
Intro:
Fitness:
Lesson Focus:
1) Written test
Closure:
When finished with the test, write a paragraph for me
letting me know what you liked and/or disliked about
this unit.
Page 15 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
TUMBLING WRITTEN EXAM
NAME__________________
PERIOD________________
DATE__________________
Circle the best answer from the following questions.
1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
Which of the following is an example of skills that do not connect or flow well together?
Front limber, straddle forward roll, backward roll
Cartwheel, needle forward roll, tuck forward roll
Forward roll, cartwheel, front walkover
All of the above
a)
b)
c)
d)
What two skills are needed for the back extension?
Back roll, headstand
Back roll, handstand
Back roll, tripod
Forward roll, handstand
a)
b)
c)
d)
What position is your head and hands in during a tripod?
Trapezoid
Square
Triangle
None of the above
a)
b)
c)
d)
When you spot a back kick over your hands are placed
On the back
One on the back, one on the thigh
One on the back, one on the arm
On the legs
a)
b)
c)
d)
Which of the following is not a balance?
Front scale
Knee scale
One leg squat
Pirouette
a)
b)
c)
d)
Which of the following would describe a round off
Hand, Hand, foot, foot
Hand, foot, foot
Hand, hand, feet together
Hand, feet together
a)
b)
c)
d)
Which of the following is not a benefit of tumbling.
Strength
Flexibility
Balance
Speed
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Page 16 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
8)
a)
b)
c)
d)
Which of the following is a cue for performing the forward roll.
Keep elbows straight
Chin to chest
Hand, hand, foot, foot
Eyes follow hands
a)
b)
c)
d)
Which of the following is not a tumbling safety rule
Teacher must be present before you start to tumble
Know your limitations
Make sure you have enough space
Wear spandex under shorts
a)
b)
c)
d)
The following describes how you spot a cartwheel
Hands at waist in front of tumbler
One hand on waist, one on thigh
One hand on waist, one on arm
Cross hand at waist, behind tumbler
9)
10)
10 points possible___________
8 out of 10 = 80%
Page 17 of 18
726814591
Unit Plan
ANSWER KEY
1) A
2) B
3) C
4) B
5) D
6) C
7) D
8) B
9) D
10) D
Page 18 of 18
726814591