Lesson 5 - Passing & Defence Strategies
Collaborative Team Play
•Year 3
•Tag Rugby
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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
Distributed at activity stations, spare balls at sideline
Alternative: Foam balls or size 3 footballs
Pre-sorted by colour for easy team identification
Alternative: Coloured braids or fabric strips tucked in shorts
Mark playing area boundaries and try lines
Alternative: Markers or playground equipment
Clearly distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Different coloured tags or bands
Key Vocabulary
An attacking formation where players are positioned at different depths to create passing options
Passing the ball to a player who is not immediately next to you in the line
When a player is in front of a teammate who has the ball and cannot legally play
Spreading defenders across the pitch to match attacking players
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
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