Tap Steps: Paddle and Roll

Note: In the notation below each beat uses 9 ASCII characters (including spaces) which allows the beats and terms to align vertically. You might want to review the Tap Glossary for my abbreviations and the terms they represent. A quick review of music notation is also included.

Paddle and Roll

The Paddle and Roll is a standard 4-measure combination in tap. It falls into the "close work" category because there is little movement across the dance floor. It can be done in place or while moving straight back. The Paddle has the heel of the free foot striking the floor next to the toe of the support foot followed by a Pull (brush back) and Ball-Heel to return the foot next to the support foot as it lifts to become the free foot. (If you are staying in place. To travel backward place the ball at the instep of the support foot.) Relax your leg as the control is actually in the thigh. [You may want to visit the TAP GLOSSARY]

There are many, many variations and I'll include two here: VAR #1 paddle starts on downbeat and VAR #2 paddle starts one-half beat later on the upbeat (for a more syncopated feel.) It's handy to know both and alternate them with several repetitions each during practice. Try to avoid slipping into the rhythm of the "other" as you practice each variation. Consider using a metronome.

VAR #1:       1        2        3        4

          ||--/---/----/---/----/---/----/---/----|
              |___|    |___|    |___|    |___|

              PA-DL    BL-HL    PA-DL    BL-HL

         1,3. (R)-----------    (L)-----------
         2,4. (L)-----------    (R)-----------


              5        6        7        8

           |--/---/----/---/----/---/----/---/----|
              |___|    |___|    |___|    |___|

              PA-DL    BL-HL    PA-DL    BL-HL

         1,3. (R)-----------    (L)-----------
         2,4. (L)-----------    (R)-----------


              1        2        3        4

           |--/---/----/---/----/---/----/---/----|
              |___|    |___|    |___|    |___|

              PA-DL    PA-DL    BL-HL    PA-DL

         1,3. (R)--------------------    (L)------
         2,4. (L)--------------------    (R)------


              5        6        7        8

           |--/---/----/---/----/---/----/---/----||
              |___|    |___|    |___|    |___|
              
              PA-DL    BL-HL    PA-DL    BL-HL
              
         1,3. (L)-----------    (R)-----------
         2,4. (R)-----------    (L)-----------

VAR #2:       1        2        3        4

          ||--/---/----/---/----/---/----/---/----|
              |___|    |___|    |___|    |___|

              DP  PA - DL  BL - HL  PA - DL  BL

      1,3.   (L) (R)-------------  (L)-----------
      2,4.   (R) (L)-------------  (R)-----------


              5        6        7        8

           |--/---/----/---/----/---/----/---/----|
              |___|    |___|    |___|    |___|

              HL  PA - DL  BL - HL  PA - DL  BL

      1,3.   (L) (R)-------------  (L)-----------
      2,4.   (R) (L)-------------  (R)-----------


              1        2        3        4

           |--/---/----/---/----/---/----/---/----|
              |___|    |___|    |___|    |___|

              HL  PA - DL  PA - DL  BL - HL  PA - 

      1,3.   (L)(R)------------------------  (L)---
      2,4.   (R)(L)------------------------  (R)---


(Alternate endings: latter for transition to VAR #1)

 1 - 3.  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -|
                                                  | 
              5        6        7        8

           |--/---/----/---/----/---/----/---/----||
              |___|    |___|    |___|    |___|
              
              DL  PA - DL  BL - HL  PA - DL  BL -
              
      1,3.   (L)------------------  (R)----------
        2.   (R)------------------  (L)----------

     4.  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -|
                                                  | 
              5        6        7        8

           |--/---/----/---/----/-----------------||
              |___|    |___|    |
              
              DL  PA - DL  BL - HL      (REST)
              
           4. (L)-----------------

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Last Modified: 25-Mar-03
Content Updated: 24-Apr-99