Ball familiarisation in rugby
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can run confidently with the ball in two hands.
Key learning points
- Move: carrying the ball uses two hands whilst running at pace and changing direction.
- Think: a try is scored by grounding the ball in your hands with downward pressure.
- Feel: creativity involves using a variety of passes and ways to pick up/offload the ball.
- Connect: awareness of others is required to avoid collisions, especially when moving at pace.
Keywords
Pop pass - a short, quick pass used to maintain continuity and create attacking opportunities, especially in close-contact situations
Try - a goal scored by grounding the ball over the oppositions try line, resulting in five points
Scoop - the action of picking up a loose ball from the ground while on the move
Common misconception
It is better to move with the ball in one hand and score a try with one hand.
Despite it perhaps being more comfortable to have the ball in one hand (or under the arm) when running, it does not keep the ball as safe and therefore increases the risk of dropping the ball and therefore your team losing possession.
Teacher tip
Depending on the level and experience of your pupils, you can include optional tackling/tackle bag touching for defenders to add in more pressure on the ball handler. However, contact versions of the game should only be managed by suitably experienced and qualified staff (inc. concussion training).
Equipment
16 balls, 30+ cones, 4 tackle bags (optional).
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which direction can you pass in rugby?
Q2.How do you score points in rugby?
Q3.Which direction should you always try to run with the ball in rugby?
Q4.What is it called if you drop the ball forwards?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How many hands should you hold the rugby ball with?
Q2.How could you avoid collisions when running with the ball?
Q3.What type of pass would you use over a short distance?
Q4.Where should you position yourself when picking up a ball off the ground?
To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Ball familiarisation in rugby, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Ball familiarisation in rugby, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 3 physical education lessons from the Invasion games: tactics and strategies to outwit through rugby unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.