Exploring the Trail

Learning

Moving into space, getting used to the ball, scanning for gates and making a simple pass.

Equipment

Cones, Rugby balls

Best group

Whole class in one area

Space / set up

Scattered cones, several coloured gates, low red markers.

Duration

8–10 minutes

Skills

Movement, Passing, Evasion, Ball carrying, Jumping & landing

• Scatter cones around a roughly 20 x 20 area.
• Build several coloured gates — two cones of the same colour, about a metre apart.
• Include some red cones laid out as low markers the children can jump over.
• Children start spread around the area, with or without a ball depending on stage.

1. 1Children explore the area, moving into space.
2. 2They move through the coloured gates.
3. 3They jump safely over the designated red cones.
4. 4Coach calls a colour and children find that gate.
5. 5Progress to moving with a rugby ball in two hands.
6. 6Add simple pass-and-move moments with the coach or a partner.

• “Eyes up.”
• “Find the space.”
• “Two hands on the ball.”
• “Move after your pass.”

This activity is suitable for ages 3–7. Choose a stage to see the coaching guidance for that group.

More free exploration using colours and imagination. Allow carrying before adding any passing.

• Use many gates so children never queue at one.
• Spread the equipment right across the area.
• Teacher manages one side of the area while the coach manages the other.

Make it easier: Remove the ball and allow free movement through the gates.

Level it up: Carry the ball, find the called gate, pass to a partner or coach, then keep moving.

• Colour call

  Coach calls a colour and everyone finds that gate.

• Pass and go

  Pass to the coach through a gate, then move to the next.

P: eyes up and choose your gate • S: safe jumps and no crowding