Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can pass backwards accurately and also rip the ball from a teammate when they are tackled.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: passing the ball backwards, but in front of the support player, allows them to run onto the ball at speed.
      2. Move: grip the ball with both hands and twist your body to rip it from your teammate after a tag to keep possession.
      3. Think: timing your rip quickly after the tag/touch keeps the game flowing and can catch the defence unorganised.
      4. Feel: taking control of the ball from a rip develops strong confidence to lead over the next play.
      5. Connect: clear communication helps prevent handling errors by increasing awareness of the location of other players.

      Keywords

      • Rip - taking the ball from a tagged teammate by gripping it with both hands and twisting it away quickly to keep play moving

      • Breakdown - after a ball carrier is tagged, a rip occurs and defenders form around the tag

      • Knock-on - when a player drops and fumbles a ball forwards when trying to catch a pass

      Common misconception

      Pupils think that when they are tagged/touched, the attacker can just give the ball (1 handed) to their teammate.

      When tagged/touched, the attacker should present the ball with 2 hands and their teammate should rip the ball with 2 hands to keep it safe and avoid fumbles and knock ons.

      Teacher tip

      As this is a non-contact version of rugby, it can be played with mixed gender groups.

      Equipment

      1 rugby ball between 4, 5 sets of bibs, 30+ cones and tag belts (optional)

      Content guidance

      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 direction is a rugby ball passed in T1 games?

      forwards
      Correct answer: backwards
      either

      Q2.
      Which is not a type of rugby?

      T1 Rugby
      Correct answer: conversion
      league

      Q3.
      How do you score in T1 Rugby?

      a goal
      Correct answer: a try
      a run

      Q4.
      What type of sport is T1 Rugby?

      individual
      contact
      Correct answer: non-contact

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What happens at a breakdown?

      tagged player passes
      a turnover
      Correct answer: ball is ripped

      Q2.
      What is the maximum number of steps you can take with the ball after a rip?

      1
      2
      Correct answer: 3

      Q3.
      Which sport is T1 Rugby is a non-contact version?

      Kabaddi
      Correct answer: rugby union
      rugby league

      Q4.
      What might happen if the defence is unorganised?

      Correct answer: leave gaps
      no gaps
      form a triangle

      To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Ripping the ball and passing backwards, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...