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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can pick up, run with the ball and play touch rugby.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: picking up a ball from the floor requires a scoop by reaching first in front of the ball to prevent a knock-on.
      2. Move: hold the ball tightly to the chest when being tackled to avoid loss of possession.
      3. Think: the Laws of rugby encourage quick passing and moving to try and evade the opposition whilst attacking territory.
      4. Feel: fumbles are reduced with increased time practising ball skills to build confidence.
      5. Connect: clear communication helps prevent handling errors by increasing awareness of the location of other players.

      Keywords

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

      • Fumble - clumsy handling that often results in a dropped ball and turnover

      • Support runner - a player who runs a well-timed, deliberate run off the ball handler to receive a pass or draw a defender

      Common misconception

      The best thing to do when a defender is about to tackle you is to (panic) pass the ball.

      Panic passing before contact in rugby often leads to turnovers, as the pass is rushed, inaccurate, and easier for the opposition to intercept or disrupt, therefore the best decision can sometimes be to keep hold of the ball and take it into contact.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to run practices in ability groups and incorporate tackling in the practices. Remember, contact versions of the game should only be managed by suitably experienced and qualified staff (inc. concussion training).

      Equipment

      30+ cones, 1 ball between 4, 20+ bibs.

      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.
      What is a knock-on?

      player running forward
      ball dropped backwards
      Correct answer: dropping ball forward

      Q2.
      What happens if a player knocks-on the ball?

      opposition pass
      Correct answer: scrum
      play it

      Q3.
      When going into contact, what should you do with the ball?

      pass quickly
      Correct answer: protect it
      drop it

      Q4.
      What can you do to reduce handling errors?

      pass faster
      Correct answer: improve communication
      catch one handed

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Where should you run to enable the best chance of getting past the defence?

      at the defender
      to the edge
      Correct answer: in the gaps

      Q2.
      When a player loses possession by dropping the ball forward, what is it called?

      Correct Answer: knock-on, knock on, knockon, a knock on, a knock-on

      Q3.
      What often happens if you panic and rush your pass?

      a fast pass
      Correct answer: a fumbled ball
      a try

      Q4.
      How can you prevent your teammate passing forward to you?

      run faster
      shout louder
      Correct answer: start further back

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Handling and carrying skills, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...