# Rolling Iron Hoop [切换至中文 (Switch to Chinese)](../../中文/游戏/滚铁环.md)  ## Game Basics The game requires of two components: one is a circular ring made of iron (or hard plastic) sheets, and the other is a long handle with a U-shaped tip that can hook around the hoop and push it forward.  A simple way to make a suitable iron hope is to bend the an iron sheet or copper wire into a circle with a size similar to that of a barrel mouth using a plier. The circle should not be too large or too small, and it should be made as round as possible to make rolling it easier. The long handle can be made from a stick or bamboo whip about one meter long. It must have a U-shaped hook at the top. One convenient method is to bend a piece of wire into a the shape of a hook.  After preparing these props, the players should look for a relatively flat area that will players to roll the hoop for a long distance. Players hook up the handle with the iron hoop, and then walk forward. The force from their hand is exerted on hoop through the handle, causing the hoop to roll forward. The player should run behind the hoop to keep it rolling. In the end, the player should not have to use the handle to keep the hoop upright. Instead, the handle's job is to simply guide the direction of the hoop. However, achieving this takes practice. After enough practicing, the player would be able to control the hoop through the handle as if it is part of their body. Some players can not only make the hoop roll at high speed and take sharp corners, but also roll it backward without any hindering. ## Game History Civilizations in around the world played this game. This simple game of hoop rolling has been played by indigenous peoples across Africa, various Native American tribes, and in ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and China. In ancient Greece, it was known as "trochus". The game was played in gymnasium, and sometimes as a dance technique. The game was recommended by Hippocrates for its potential health benefits.  Roman adapted this Greek game. They used hoops fitted with metal rings and was considered this game both entertainment and a form of military training. The Roman game was to roll the hoop while throwing a spear or stick through it. Horace, a Roman soldier and senator, considered it to be one the manly sports. The game also had a presence in East Asia, with roots in China potentially dating back to 1000 BC.  ## References - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoop_rolling - https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E6%BB%9A%E9%93%81%E7%8E%AF/5383603 - https://www.sohu.com/a/770989016_121939394