🏉

Lesson 2 - Pocket Passing and Tag Defence

Collaborative Team Play

•

Year 3

•

Tag Rugby

•

Big Question

How can we pass accurately under pressure and defend effectively in tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

Develop pocket passing technique from both right and left sides
Improve sending and receiving skills under pressure
Apply tag rugby rules including 'Tagged' calls and restart procedures

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate pocket passing from both sides
Students will show effective communication during tag rugby games
Students will apply game rules including tagging and restart procedures

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

15 (half class set)

Distributed around perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls for smaller hands, foam balls for confidence

Tag Belts

30 (1 per student)

Pre-checked for secure velcro, distributed at start

Alternative: Velcro belts, fabric strips tucked in waistbands

Cones

Mark boundaries and target areas clearly

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Two contrasting colours for game sessions

Alternative: Coloured bands, house colours

Key Vocabulary

Pocket pass

Passing the ball from beside your hip (left or right pocket) with a step-through motion

Target

Creating a clear catching position with hands in a 'W' shape

Hand rolling

Rotating hands from fingers up to fingers down when catching high and low balls

Tagged

The call made when a defender successfully grabs an attacker's tag

Try line

The line where tries are scored in rugby

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Understanding of personal space
Basic understanding of tag rugby concept

Current Skills

Pocket passing from both sides
Receiving under pressure
Tag defence techniques
Game rules application

Next Steps

Backwards passing only
Advanced evasion techniques
Set plays and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent pocket passing accuracy

Effective communication during pressure

Quick reaction to tag situations

Key Teaching Points

Pocket passing requires opposite foot forward and step-through motion
Target making with W-shaped hands improves passing accuracy
Clear 'Tagged' calls are essential for fair and safe game play
Hand rolling technique adapts catching to ball height
Communication and teamwork are as important as individual skills
Forward passes are acceptable at this stage to maintain game flow
Restart procedures keep games moving and organised

Common Misconceptions

Students often use same foot as passing side - correct with 'opposite foot forward' cue
Many think shouting 'Tagged' is optional - emphasise it's a rule requirement
Some believe only dominant side passing matters - stress both sides equally
Players may think speed is more important than accuracy - reinforce control first
Common assumption that forward passes are always wrong in rugby - clarify learning stage rules

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear and immediate feedback, movement breaks between skills

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, simplified footwork patterns, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule for lesson sections, quiet reflection zones available

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and tags, clear verbal instructions for positioning, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for key instructions, written rule reminders

physical disability

Seated passing practice option, modified tag removal using alternative methods, adjusted distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in sequence (5-4-3-2-1), measuring distances between players and cones

Science

Forces in passing and catching, friction during running, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction, mapping movement patterns across the playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions during competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central position for games, corner position for observation

Observation Focus

Watch for pocket passing technique, communication quality, and fair play

Intervention Points

Step in for safety issues, technique correction, or rule clarification

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points

Verbal Cues

•'Opposite foot forward!'
•'Make that target!'
•'Tagged! Pass quickly!'
•'Great communication!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for full activities, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, good grip for running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Rugby balls correctly inflated and in good condition
•Tag belts checked for secure velcro attachment
•Cones positioned safely away from running lines

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Trips from loose or detached tags
•Ball strikes during passing practice
•Rough tag removal causing discomfort

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundary marking and space awareness
•Teaching proper tag removal technique
•Adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive skill building before pressure situations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all groups during partner work
•Move between groups during skill practice
•Central position during whole-class games

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified