Lesson 3 - Backwards Passing Skills
Collaborative Team Play
•Year 3
•Tag Rugby
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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
Place balls around perimeter of area for easy access
Alternative: Foam rugby balls for beginners, size 3 rugby balls
Distributed before lesson starts, spare tags available
Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, fabric strips
Mark out playing areas and boundaries clearly
Alternative: Markers, spot markers
For recording assessment evidence during game situations
Alternative: Mobile phone with video capability
Key Vocabulary
In rugby, the ball must always be passed backwards or sideways, never forwards
A fake passing movement designed to deceive defenders
Running directly at a defender to force them to make a tackle attempt
A teammate running behind the ball carrier ready to receive a pass
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
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