Lesson 2 - Pocket Passing and Tag Defence
Collaborative Team Play
•Year 3
•Tag Rugby
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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
Distributed around perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Tennis balls for smaller hands, foam balls for confidence
Pre-checked for secure velcro, distributed at start
Alternative: Velcro belts, fabric strips tucked in waistbands
Mark boundaries and target areas clearly
Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines
Two contrasting colours for game sessions
Alternative: Coloured bands, house colours
Key Vocabulary
Passing the ball from beside your hip (left or right pocket) with a step-through motion
Creating a clear catching position with hands in a 'W' shape
Rotating hands from fingers up to fingers down when catching high and low balls
The call made when a defender successfully grabs an attacker's tag
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
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