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Lesson 4 - Creating Overlaps

Collaborative Team Play

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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55 min

Big Question

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

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Pre-distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, velcro strips

Key Vocabulary

Backwards Pass

Throwing or passing the ball towards your own goal line, which is legal in tag rugby

Overlap

When a player runs around the outside of teammates to create an extra attacking option

Support

Staying close to and behind the ball carrier ready to receive a pass

Knock-on

When the ball is dropped or knocked forward by a player's hands or arms

Forward Pass

Throwing the ball towards the opposition goal line, which is illegal

Pop Pass

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

Passes backwards 8 out of 10 times while moving

Successfully creates overlaps in game situations

Shows good understanding of supporting positions

Demonstrates fair play and good sportsmanship

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