Exploring the Trail

Learning

Moving into space, scanning for gates and jumping low markers safely, with ball, passing and jump-and-land challenges built on the same setup.

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, 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.
• Keep clear landing space beyond every jump point.
• Children start spread around the area, with or without a ball depending on stage.

1. 1Movement Trail: children explore the area, moving into space.
2. 2They move through the coloured gates.
3. 3They jump safely over the designated low red markers.
4. 4Coach calls a colour and children find that gate.
5. 5Then choose one of the trail variations below — same setup, new challenge.

• “Eyes up.”
• “Find the space.”
• “Soft knees.”
• “Two hands on the ball.”

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. Small jumps only — “Land quietly like a Pup.”

• Use many gates and jump points so children never queue at one.
• Spread the equipment right across the area and keep children flowing rather than lining up.
• 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. Jump over a flat line instead of a marker.

Variations

• Run the Trail

  Travel through as many different gates as possible, eyes up, changing speed.

• Ball Carry Trail

  Move through the gates carrying a rugby ball in two hands.

• Passing Trail

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

• Jump & Land Trail

  Nominate some gates and low markers as jump points. Focus on the landing, not the height: bend the knees, land balanced and quiet, then move away into space. Progress to carrying a ball through the jump, or land and change direction straight away.

• Coach Calls

  Coach calls a colour and everyone finds that gate — add “jump!” or “freeze!” calls.

Level it up

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

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