🏉

Lesson 2 - Throwing and Catching Skills

Tag Rugby Basics

•

Year 3

•

Tag Rugby

•

Big Question

How can we master throwing and catching to keep possession in tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

To develop throwing and catching a rugby ball with control
To understand the importance of moving into space when receiving the ball
To apply passing skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved throwing technique using the pendulum motion
Students will catch the ball consistently using correct hand positioning
Students will move into supporting positions to receive passes effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around the teaching area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam rugby balls, oval-shaped balls, or size 3 rugby balls for smaller hands

Cones

Used for boundaries, target areas, and running markers

Alternative: Flat markers, bean bags, or plastic bottles

Team bibs

16 (4 sets of 4 colours)

Different colours for catchers, free-ers, and teams

Alternative: Coloured bibs, wristbands, or team pinnies

Key Vocabulary

W-shape grip

Holding the rugby ball with hands forming a W pattern on either side

Pendulum motion

Swinging arms back and forth like a pendulum to generate throwing power

Supporting space

A position near the ball carrier where you can receive a pass safely

Possession

Having control of the ball and keeping it within your team

Intercept

To catch or take the ball when the opposing team is passing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from previous lessons
Understanding of personal space and movement
Experience with simple catching and throwing activities

Current Skills

Correct rugby ball grip using W-hand position
Pendulum throwing technique for accuracy
Active catching with hands meeting the ball
Moving into space to support teammates

Next Steps

Backwards passing rule introduction
Tagging and evasion techniques
Advanced game tactics and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching from various angles

Accurate passing over increasing distances

Good spatial awareness in game situations

Key Teaching Points

W-shaped grip is fundamental - fingers spread wide on long sides of ball
Pendulum motion creates accuracy and power - swing smoothly from sideways position
Active catching - move hands to meet the ball, pull into body
Supporting positions - close enough to help but not in the way
Running with ball creates opportunities - move away from defenders
Four passes requires teamwork - everyone must move and communicate
Gentle contact only - tag rugby is about skill not strength

Common Misconceptions

Holding ball on pointed ends instead of long sides - correct with W-shape demonstration
Facing target when passing instead of sideways - show train track analogy
Waiting passively for catches instead of actively meeting ball - demonstrate difference
Standing still when not holding ball - emphasise constant movement for support
Thinking harder passes are better - focus on accuracy and technique over power
Believing rugby is only about strength - highlight skill, speed, and intelligence

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer movement breaks, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time, offer hand-over-hand guidance

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual routines, offer quiet zones for breaks, use consistent language and signals

visual impairment

Use bright orange or yellow balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures, provide written instructions on cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify to seated passing for wheelchair users, use lighter balls, adjust distances according to ability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes to four, measuring distances for passing accuracy, angles of passes and ball trajectory

Science

Forces in pendulum motion, friction between hands and ball, momentum in running with ball

Geography

Directions and compass points for supporting positions, spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of teaching area for visibility of all students, move between groups during pair work

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique development, safe contact levels, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe play, technique breakdown, or negative behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at game speed, using students as models where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'W-shape hands!' for grip reminders
•'Soft touches!' for gentle defensive contact
•'Find space!' to encourage movement
•'Eyes on the ball!' for catching focus

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, expandable to 30m x 40m for full games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from stones, holes, or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Rugby balls checked for correct inflation and no damage
•Cones inspected for sharp edges or cracks
•Team bands checked for secure fastenings

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls on surfaces
•Overexertion during intense games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate buffer zones
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Gentle contact rules enforced consistently
•Regular water breaks and energy monitoring
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Move between activities to monitor technique and safety
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or discomfort

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, inform school leadership