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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can perform in a scrum and use accurate kicks to gain meters.

Key learning points

  1. Move: rolling the ball into the scrum at an angle towards your team will make it easy to pass out to their teammates.
  2. Move: follow through with an upward motion of the kicking leg to kick the ball higher.
  3. Think: scrums are used to reset play but pushing isn’t really required as energy is best saved to get back and defend.
  4. Feel: confidence to apply new skills in a competitive environment requires repeated practice.
  5. Connect: respecting the value that different shapes and body sizes bring to the game of rugby helps team cohesion.

Keywords

  • Up and under kick - a high kick to run on to and challenge for the ball in the air

  • Scrum - how play is restarted after a stoppage caused by a minor infringement

  • Intercept - a player catches a pass or kick intended for an opposing player, gaining possession of the ball for their team

Common misconception

In a rugby scrum you have to push (like in union).

Because the scrum half can throw the ball in at angle that is advantageous to their team, there is not much point pushing. It's better to save energy to get back to defend but if the other side are being lazy, it might be beneficial to push.

Teacher tip

Be aware of space and direction with the kicking practice, and you may wish to have forward positions working on the scrum whilst the backs are working on their kicking.

Equipment

30 + cones, 4 x 8 sets of bibs, 30 + balls and 4 x whistles.

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.
Where should you aim to tackle an opponent?

Correct answer: lower legs
hips
neck

Q2.
In defence, how can you ensure there are no gaps for the attackers?

run up fast
Correct answer: stay as line
stand still

Q3.
What should an attacker do when they are tackled?

drop the ball
Correct answer: play the ball
pass the ball

Q4.
Why is it important to wrap your arms when making a tackle?

have more force
get the ball
Correct answer: stop them kicking

4 Questions

Q1.
Who rolls the ball into a scrum?

Correct Answer: scrum half, scrum-half, scrumhalf

Q2.
In defence, where is energy best served in a play reset?

pushing the scrum
Correct answer: getting back quickly
running offside

Q3.
What does kicking the ball high allow time for?

opposition to catch
Correct answer: teammates to catch
opposition to intercept

Q4.
Which positions are usually involved in the scrum?

Correct answer: forwards
backs
it doesn’t matter

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