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Lesson 5 - Passing & Defence Strategies

Collaborative Team Play

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use clever passing strategies and smart positioning to outplay our opponents in tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

To pass the ball missing out players in a line effectively
To set up defensively opposite an opponent across the width of the pitch
To understand and apply the offside rule in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate strategic passing by missing out teammates
Students will show effective defensive positioning and communication
Students will explain the importance of the offside rule and tactical awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

8 for warm-up, 2-3 for main activities

Distributed at activity stations, spare balls at sideline

Alternative: Foam balls or size 3 footballs

Tag Belts

1 per student (30 sets)

Pre-sorted by colour for easy team identification

Alternative: Coloured braids or fabric strips tucked in shorts

Cones

12-16

Mark playing area boundaries and try lines

Alternative: Markers or playground equipment

Bibs

15 (one team)

Clearly distinguish teams during games

Alternative: Different coloured tags or bands

Key Vocabulary

Staggered line

An attacking formation where players are positioned at different depths to create passing options

Missing out

Passing the ball to a player who is not immediately next to you in the line

Offside

When a player is in front of a teammate who has the ball and cannot legally play

Defensive width

Spreading defenders across the pitch to match attacking players

Tagged

When a defender successfully removes an attacker's tag

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic rugby ball handling skills
Understanding of simple passing in sequence
Basic concept of attacking and defending

Current Skills

Strategic passing missing out players
Defensive positioning and spacing
Understanding and applying offside rule

Next Steps

Advanced tactical plays and set pieces
Complex defensive formations
Game leadership and decision-making under pressure

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passing under pressure

Automatic defensive positioning without prompts

Self-correction when offside occurs

Key Teaching Points

Staggered attacking lines create more passing options and confuse defenders
Strategic passing missing out players opens gaps in defensive lines
Defensive width prevents attackers from finding easy gaps
Offside rule ensures fair play and prevents dangerous situations
Effective communication is essential for tactical success
Team reflection improves tactical understanding and application
Practice tactical skills at walking pace before applying at full speed

Common Misconceptions

Thinking passing to the nearest player is always best - explain why missing out creates advantages
Believing all defenders should follow the ball - emphasise the importance of width coverage
Confusion about when offside occurs - use clear demonstrations with movement
Thinking tactics are too complicated for Year 3 - show how simple concepts can be very effective
Assuming communication means shouting loudly - teach clear, purposeful verbal cues

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear simple instructions, regular movement opportunities

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for passing patterns, simplified tactical concepts initially, buddy support for complex movements

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet reflection spaces available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured tags and balls, clear verbal descriptions of tactical setups, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all tactics, hand signals for key concepts, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Modified tagging rules (touch instead of tag removal), seated passing practice options, adapted distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting players in formations, calculating distances for passes, understanding angles of running lines

Science

Forces in passing and running, understanding momentum and direction, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping field positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, effective communication skills, leadership development, resilience when making mistakes

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central position during games to observe both teams

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, safe tagging technique, and effective communication

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, when tactics need reinforcement, or when rule clarification needed

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for tactical concepts, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Stagger that line!'
•'Spread across the width!'
•'You're offside - get back behind the ball!'
•'Miss them out!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for full group activities, additional space for two 5v5 games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, check for any debris or water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tags attached securely to belts, no loose or broken tags
•Rugby balls properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones stable and visible, no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running with ball
•Tag-related injuries from pulling too hard
•Slips during passing practice
•Fatigue affecting concentration in games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safe tagging technique taught
•Progressive skill building from walking to running pace
•Regular breaks and rotation to prevent overexertion
•Emphasis on controlled contact and calling 'Tagged'

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both games simultaneously
•Monitor energy levels and adjust intensity as needed
•Watch for any students struggling with concepts or safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, record any incidents