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Lesson 3 - Backwards Passing Skills

Collaborative Team Play

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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1h 5min

Big Question

How can we use clever passing and dummy techniques to outsmart defenders in rugby?

Learning Objectives

Pass a rugby ball backwards accurately using correct technique
Execute effective dummy passes to deceive defenders
Apply passing skills when running at pace and committing defenders

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent backwards passing technique
Students will use dummy passes effectively in game situations
Students will show tactical awareness when attacking with ball in hand

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

17.5 (one per pair plus spares)

Place balls around perimeter of area for easy access

Alternative: Foam rugby balls for beginners, size 3 rugby balls

Tag Belts

30 belts, 60 tags

Distributed before lesson starts, spare tags available

Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, fabric strips

Cones

20-25

Mark out playing areas and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, spot markers

Tablets

For recording assessment evidence during game situations

Alternative: Mobile phone with video capability

Key Vocabulary

Backwards pass

In rugby, the ball must always be passed backwards or sideways, never forwards

Dummy pass

A fake passing movement designed to deceive defenders

Commit a defender

Running directly at a defender to force them to make a tackle attempt

Support player

A teammate running behind the ball carrier ready to receive a pass

Tag

The fabric strips attached to belt that defenders try to remove

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of tag rugby basic rules
Experience of simple passing in static positions

Current Skills

Backwards passing technique development
Introduction to dummy passing
Running with ball at pace whilst maintaining control

Next Steps

Advanced passing under pressure
Combination plays with multiple passes
Tactical decision making in game situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent backwards passing without looking at hands

Natural dummy pass movement that deceives opponents

Confident running at defenders before releasing ball

Key Teaching Points

Rugby balls must always be passed backwards - this is fundamental to the sport
Effective dummy passes require whole body commitment to sell the deception convincingly
When running at defenders, commit fully to force them to make a decision
Support players must always stay behind the ball carrier to avoid forward passes
Perfect passing technique includes: side-on stance, ball at pocket, lever arms, aim and follow through
Communication and eye contact between teammates is essential for successful passing
Decision making improves with practice - encourage students to make quick choices rather than hesitate

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'You can pass forwards in rugby' - Correction: Emphasise backwards/sideways passing rule constantly
Misconception: 'Dummy passes should be obvious' - Correction: Teach that best dummies completely fool the opponent
Misconception: 'Run slowly when passing' - Correction: Show how pace puts pressure on defenders and creates opportunities
Misconception: 'Any passing movement works' - Correction: Reinforce specific technique elements for accuracy and power
Misconception: 'Support players can run anywhere' - Correction: Teach importance of staying behind ball carrier
Misconception: 'Tags are just for decoration' - Correction: Explain tag removal as safe alternative to tackling

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, offer regular position changes and feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and patient repetition

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and structure, offer quiet break-out space if needed, use visual schedules for activity sequence

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, employ hand signals for instructions, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt passing to seated position, modify distances and equipment size, create alternative roles in games

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances between players, calculating angles for passing, counting successful passes in games

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, friction affecting ball movement, reaction times in decision making

Geography

Directional awareness - forwards/backwards/sideways, spatial concepts, mapping movement patterns around the playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions when losing possession, building resilience when skills don't work first time

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum field of vision during game activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct passing technique, safe running patterns, appropriate use of space, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down significantly, unsafe play occurs, or students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique teaching, involve confident students in demonstrations, always show what you want to see

Verbal Cues

•'Side-on body!'
•'Pocket to target!'
•'Sell that dummy!'
•'Run hard at the defender!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for multiple activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and change of direction

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rugby balls are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure tag belts fit securely without being too tight
•Verify tags are properly attached and not damaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Falls when changing direction at speed
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Tag-pulling causing falls

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced
•Controlled running speeds appropriate to space
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Proper tag-removal technique taught and monitored

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during game application
•Intervene quickly for unsafe behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if required