Lesson 4 - Creating Overlaps
Collaborative Team Play
•Year 3
•Tag Rugby
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How can we work together as a team to create space and score tries using backwards passing and overlaps?
Learning Objectives
- To consistently pass backwards while moving at speed
- To understand and create overlapping runs to support teammates
- To work effectively alongside and against others in attacking and defending situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to pass backwards consistently while moving
- Students will understand the concept of overlapping and when to use it
- Students will demonstrate improved teamwork in attack and defence
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-distributed around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, velcro strips
Attached to belts before lesson starts
Alternative: Cloth strips, bandanas
Size 3 balls placed in central equipment area
Alternative: Foam balls, oval-shaped balls
Used to mark boundaries and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, spots
Two different colours for team games
Alternative: Coloured bands, house colours
Key Vocabulary
Throwing or passing the ball towards your own goal line, which is legal in tag rugby
When a player runs around the outside of teammates to create an extra attacking option
Staying close to and behind the ball carrier ready to receive a pass
When the ball is dropped or knocked forward by a player's hands or arms
Throwing the ball towards the opposition goal line, which is illegal
A short, upward pass that 'pops' the ball just above head height for a teammate to catch
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handling skills and catching
- Understanding of backwards passing rules
- Simple running with the ball
- Basic knowledge of tag rugby rules
Current Skills
- Consistent backwards passing under pressure
- Creating and using overlapping runs
- Supporting the ball carrier effectively
- Understanding knock-ons and forward passes
Next Steps
- Advanced passing techniques (switch passes, miss passes)
- Complex attacking patterns and set plays
- Advanced defensive positioning and communication
- Full game understanding with officiating
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Backwards passing is fundamental - ball must travel backwards from passer to receiver
- Supporting players must stay behind ball carrier to remain onside
- Overlaps create extra attacking options by running around teammates after passing
- Gentle tag removal only - safety is paramount in all contact
- Make ground before passing - advance forward before releasing ball
- Communication is key - talk to teammates during all activities
- Good sportsmanship - respect opponents, teammates and referee decisions
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you can pass forward if you're running backwards - ball trajectory determines direction
- Believing overlaps mean running in front of teammates - must loop behind
- Assuming tag rugby has no tactics - it requires sophisticated team play
- Thinking supporting players can run wherever they want - must stay behind ball carrier
- Believing rough tag removal is acceptable - gentle technique protects all players
- Assuming advantage means play always continues - referee decides based on benefit gained
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and structure, offer choice in some activities
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, provide extra practice time, simplify movement patterns initially, offer step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedules, maintain consistent routines, offer quiet break areas, use social stories for game rules
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign buddy for guidance, use textured cones for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication, use hand signals for game management
physical disability
- Adapt tag removal to gentle touching, provide seated passing options, modify running to walking pace, ensure inclusive team roles
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following and giving instructions, using technical vocabulary, explaining tactics to others
Maths
Counting passes completed, measuring 5-metre retreat distances, calculating team scores and statistics
Science
Understanding forces in passing, momentum in running, reaction times in defence
Geography
Directional movement (forwards/backwards), spatial awareness, positioning on field
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions in competitive situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of space for visibility of all groups, move to centre during demonstrations, rotate around groups during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for backwards passing accuracy, overlap timing, tag removal technique, and positive team interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if rules not followed, unsafe play observed, or students need additional support with skills
Demonstration Notes
Use confident students to model skills, exaggerate movements for visibility, repeat demonstrations as needed, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Backwards only!' for passing reminders
- •'Loop behind!' for overlap technique
- •'Support the carrier!' for positioning
- •'Tagged!' during game play
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts are properly fitted and secure
- •Ensure tags are attached correctly but removable
- •Verify rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Check cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during overlapping runs
- •Rough tag removal causing falls
- •Slips during direction changes
- •Ball strikes to face or body
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between groups and activities
- •Emphasis on controlled tag removal technique
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Continuous supervision of tagging technique
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor tagging areas for safe play
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety
- •Ensure game rules are followed
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact emergency services if required