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Lesson 2 - Ball Handling and Retrieving Skills

Evasion to Strategy

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

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

Rugby Balls

6-8 balls

Check inflation and condition before lesson

Alternative: Foam rugby balls, American footballs

Cones

22 cones

Use bright colours for visibility

Alternative: Spots, markers, bean bags

Hoops

6 hoops

For safe zones in final activity

Alternative: Rope circles, chalk circles

Bibs

10 bibs (2 colours)

For identifying attackers and defenders

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Handling

Using hands to control, carry, throw and catch the rugby ball

Retrieving

Picking up the ball from the ground quickly and safely

Interception

Catching or deflecting the ball when the opposing team throws it

Hand-off

Passing the ball directly from hand to hand between teammates

Try line

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

Consistent ball control during movement

Quick retrieval from floor without fumbling

Accurate passing to moving targets

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