If you can master the pick-up under pressure from opponents then you are a long way to achieving success in this particular skill.

Under the rules of the game the ball cannot be lifted from the ground so therefore it must be kicked into the hands.

The key is to lift the ball off the ground with the foot just before clasping the hands around it and then gathering it into the body.

It is important that the hands DO NOT touch the ball before the foot though and this is the difficult part.

The pick-up can be completed without the player having to break their run.

As you move towards the ball the supporting foot should be placed alongside the ball and slightly in advance of it.

The hands should be cupped in front just ahead of the ball with thumbs almost touching at the front.

The foot which will be lifting the ball should be swung forward in much the same way as normal, moving the ball forward and off the ground and into the hands.

The arms should protect the ball from being challenged as it is brought to the body.

Then the player can continue their run as normal and prepare to pass to a team mate or attempt a score.