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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can make contact safely with someone else to prevent them advancing with the ball.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: keeping your head to the side and leading with your shoulder makes tackling safer and reduces risk of injury.
      2. Move: wrapping your arms fully around an opponent will help control the tackle and bring them down effectively.
      3. Think: making contact above the shoulders is illegal and puts players at serious risk of injury.
      4. Feel: confidence comes from practising correct technique and trusting your body in each tackle.
      5. Connect: adjusting the intensity applied to a tackle helps build confidence in less experienced/smaller players.

      Keywords

      • Tackle - a defender brings the ball carrier down to the ground

      • Confidence - the degree to which a performer believes they have the ability to perform and complete tasks with success

      • Contact - physical interaction between players where touching, holding or tackling is allowed as part of the game

      Common misconception

      Tackling harder always makes it more effective.

      Controlled technique, not force, makes a tackle successful and reduces the chance of injury or penalties.

      Teacher tip

      Contact versions of the game should only be managed by suitably experienced and qualified staff (inc. concussion training). It is the school's decision whether gumshields are complusory for pupils. Option to spend more time on any of these topics as appropriate in the context of your learners.

      Equipment

      20 + balls (optional type), 30+ cones, 14 rounders posts, 4 sets of 8 bibs and 2 x Tupi/bins/boxes.

      Content guidance

      Additional qualification required

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which one is a contact sport?

      netball
      cricket
      Correct answer: judo

      Q2.
      Which one is not a contact sport?

      American football
      Correct answer: athletics
      rugby

      Q3.
      As an attacker, where is it useful to run towards?

      Correct answer: into space
      at a defender
      to the sideline

      Q4.
      What is an example of protective equipment worn in contact sports?

      resistance bands
      Correct answer: gumshield
      bat

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      How can you ensure a successful tackle?

      using more force
      Correct answer: wrapping your arms
      pulling their tshirt

      Q2.
      Where should you place your head when making contact?

      Correct answer: to the side
      to the front
      behind the attacker

      Q3.
      Where is it illegal to make contact with another player?

      below the knee
      above the waist
      Correct answer: above the shoulder

      Q4.
      How can you increase your confidence in contact?

      avoid doing it
      play tag instead
      Correct answer: practice more

      To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Gaining confidence in contact, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...