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Lesson 1 - Ball Handling Skills Development

Tag Rugby Basics

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How does the unique shape of a rugby ball change the way we throw, catch and play with it?

Learning Objectives

To develop ball handling skills demonstrating increasing control and accuracy
To understand how the shape of a rugby ball affects movement and handling
To work cooperatively in teams while practising fundamental rugby skills

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to pass and receive a rugby ball with improved control
Students will understand the 'W' grip technique for holding a rugby ball
Students will demonstrate spatial awareness during movement activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

8 (1 per group of 4)

Place balls around perimeter of area before lesson starts

Alternative: Size 3 rugby balls for smaller hands, foam rugby balls for safety

Dish Cones

Use for boundaries, relay points, and group positioning

Alternative: Coloured discs, bean bags, or other markers

Cones

1 (optional)

Different colours for each group of 4

Alternative: Coloured bands, wristbands

Key Vocabulary

Rugby ball

An oval-shaped ball used in rugby, different from round balls

W grip

Holding the rugby ball with fingers spread wide on both long sides, forming a 'W' shape

Passing

Throwing the ball sideways or backwards to a teammate using correct technique

Try

Scoring in rugby by placing the ball down in the opponent's area

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to others and the space around you

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching with round balls
Understanding of personal space and movement
Experience working in small groups

Current Skills

Rugby ball grip technique ('W' shape)
Static passing and catching
Moving with a rugby ball safely

Next Steps

Passing while moving
Introduction to basic tagging techniques
Simple game situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of correct grip without prompting

Successful passes over 4-metre distance

Catches ball cleanly 7 out of 10 attempts

Key Teaching Points

The W grip is fundamental - fingers wide on the long sides of the ball
Passing technique uses pendulum arm motion from sideways-on stance
Catching requires active movement to meet the ball, not passive waiting
Rugby ball shape affects bounce and handling - emphasise this difference
Teamwork and encouragement are as important as individual skill development
Safety through controlled movements and spatial awareness
Progressive challenge building from simple to complex skills

Common Misconceptions

Holding rugby ball like a round ball - correct with W grip demonstration
Facing forward when passing - emphasise sideways-on stance
Rushing skills under pressure - promote 'quality over speed' mindset
Passive catching - teach active 'meeting the ball' approach
Throwing ball for try - demonstrate controlled placement action

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, focused activities with regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, adult support

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured rugby balls, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for activities

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards

physical disability

Seated versions of activities, modified equipment (larger/lighter balls), adapted distances and rules

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using new vocabulary (W grip, pendulum, try), peer teaching communication

Maths

Counting passes in challenges, measuring 4m distances, timing activities in seconds and minutes

Science

Understanding forces in ball movement, air resistance affecting oval ball flight, grip friction

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, perseverance when learning new skills, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups during activities, position at corner for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip technique, safe movement patterns, and positive group dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in when technique needs correction, if safety issues arise, or if students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'W grip - wide fingers!'
•'Smooth pendulum swings!'
•'Eyes on your target!'
•'Meet the ball halfway!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry and even, free from hazards or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Rugby balls correctly inflated but not over-inflated
•Cones stable and free from sharp edges
•Regular equipment checks for wear and damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between students during movement
•Slips and falls on inappropriate surface
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing between groups
•Emphasis on controlled movements throughout
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Adequate rest periods between intense activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Pay special attention during competitive games
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure equipment is used safely and appropriately

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid if qualified, seek additional support as needed