Lesson 2 - Throwing and Catching Skills
Tag Rugby Basics
•Year 3
•Tag Rugby
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed around the teaching area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Foam rugby balls, oval-shaped balls, or size 3 rugby balls for smaller hands
Used for boundaries, target areas, and running markers
Alternative: Flat markers, bean bags, or plastic bottles
Different colours for catchers, free-ers, and teams
Alternative: Coloured bibs, wristbands, or team pinnies
Key Vocabulary
Holding the rugby ball with hands forming a W pattern on either side
Swinging arms back and forth like a pendulum to generate throwing power
A position near the ball carrier where you can receive a pass safely
Having control of the ball and keeping it within your team
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
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