Lesson 2 - Ball Handling and Retrieving Skills
Evasion to Strategy
•Year 3
•Tag Rugby
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can mastering different ball handling techniques make you a more valuable team player?
Learning Objectives
- Perform a range of ball handling skills with increasing control and confidence
- Experiment with different ways of sending and receiving to find effective techniques
- Practice retrieving, lifting and throwing skills from various positions
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate at least 3 different ball handling techniques
- Students will successfully retrieve and pass from floor positions
- Students will apply handling skills in small game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation and condition before lesson
Alternative: Foam rugby balls, American footballs
Use bright colours for visibility
Alternative: Spots, markers, bean bags
For safe zones in final activity
Alternative: Rope circles, chalk circles
For identifying attackers and defenders
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
Using hands to control, carry, throw and catch the rugby ball
Picking up the ball from the ground quickly and safely
Catching or deflecting the ball when the opposing team throws it
Passing the ball directly from hand to hand between teammates
The line where players score points by placing the ball down
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic catching with two hands
- Simple underarm throwing
- Understanding of team games concepts
Current Skills
- Rugby ball handling techniques
- Floor retrieval and passing
- Hand-to-hand passing while moving
- Defensive interception skills
Next Steps
- Passing while under pressure
- Advanced evasion techniques
- Tactical decision making in game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safe ball retrieval technique: bend knees, straight back, lift with legs
- Accurate throwing: twist from hips, aim for chest height, follow through
- Effective catching: soft hands, watch ball into hands, secure grip
- Hand-off technique: present ball clearly, maintain running speed, clear communication
- Defensive positioning: read the play, anticipate passes, position for interception
- Game awareness: support teammates, use space effectively, apply skills under pressure
- Safety first: tag only contact, maintain control, respect boundaries
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking retrieval speed is more important than safe technique - emphasise correct form first
- Believing throwing harder means throwing better - focus on accuracy and technique
- Assuming catching is just about hands - teach whole body positioning and balance
- Thinking hand-offs should be fast throws - emphasise controlled direct transfer
- Believing individual skill is most important - stress teamwork and support
- Assuming tagging means any contact is allowed - reinforce tag-only rules clearly
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Keep activities short and varied, provide clear boundaries, offer frequent positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and patient instruction
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routines, offer visual schedules, create quiet zones for breaks when needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading
physical disability
- Modify ball sizes and weights, allow seated participation where appropriate, adjust distances and space requirements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful passes and interceptions, measuring distances between cones, calculating team scores and success rates
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and catching, effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing, friction between ball and hands
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns across playing area
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when learning new skills, managing emotions in competitive situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of area for visibility of all groups, move between activities to provide close support
Observation Focus
Watch for correct ball handling technique, safe lifting posture, and appropriate game contact
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if unsafe contact occurs, provide technique correction during natural breaks
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate skills slowly first, then at game speed. Use exaggerated movements for clarity. Show common mistakes and corrections.
Verbal Cues
- •'Bend those knees for safe lifting!'
- •'Eyes up, see your target!'
- •'Soft hands for catching!'
- •'Quick feet, controlled hands!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes, stones or hazards that could cause trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rugby balls are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify hoops are in good condition with no splits
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during games
- •Slips and falls on wet surfaces
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Back injury from incorrect lifting technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established between groups
- •Adequate spacing maintained throughout activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Emphasis on tag-only contact (no tackling)
- •Proper lifting technique taught and reinforced
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity game phases closely
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique
- •Ensure fair play and appropriate contact levels
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact school office if needed