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Lesson 1 - Passing and Moving with the Ball

Team Play & Territory

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to keep possession of the ball and score tries?

Learning Objectives

To introduce moving with the ball while maintaining control and possession
To develop basic passing and receiving skills using correct technique
To understand how to score in tag rugby and the importance of teamwork

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to carry the ball safely using two hands
Students will demonstrate basic passing technique with swing action
Students will understand how to score a try by placing the ball down correctly

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

1 per pair (15 balls)

Distributed around the area perimeter before lesson starts

Alternative: Foam balls, rugby-style balls, or soft touch balls

Cones

22 cones

Mark try lines and area boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Bibs

8-10 different colours

For team identification in group activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Key Vocabulary

Try

A score worth 5 points achieved by placing the ball down with two hands behind the opponent's try line

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Swing Pass

A passing technique where hands follow through in the direction of the pass

Target

Creating a clear area for your teammate to pass to, usually with ready hands

Support

Running behind the ball carrier to help maintain possession

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping skills
Throwing and catching with large balls
Understanding of simple game rules

Current Skills

Carrying ball with two hands
Basic passing technique with swing action
Scoring tries by placing ball down
Supporting teammates without the ball

Next Steps

Defensive positioning and tagging
Advanced passing under pressure
Game tactics and strategy

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-handed ball carry

Accurate passes to moving targets

Understanding of backwards passing rule

Key Teaching Points

Always carry the ball with two hands for quick passing options
Use swing pass technique with hands following through to target
Pass only backwards or sideways - never forwards in rugby
Score tries by placing ball down with two hands, not dropping
Support teammates by running behind the ball carrier
Communicate clearly with teammates about passing opportunities
Keep possession as a team priority over individual running

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can pass forwards like in other sports - reinforce backwards only rule
Believing dropping the ball is the same as placing it - emphasise controlled placement
Assuming faster running is always better - teach controlled movement with ball
Not understanding why two hands are needed - explain quick passing benefits
Confusion about when to pass vs when to run - develop decision-making skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, frequent positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, additional verbal cues

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet rest areas available, consistent routines

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards

physical disability

Seated passing versions, modified throwing distances, adapted scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, following and giving instructions, sports vocabulary development

Maths

Counting passes and steps, measuring distances for tries, calculating team scores

Science

Understanding forces in passing, body systems during exercise, trajectory of ball flight

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions in competitive situations, resilience when making mistakes

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of area for visibility of all students, move around during activities to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ball handling, safe movement patterns, and positive teamwork behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in if safety compromised, if students struggling with basic techniques, or if team dynamics become negative

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate new skills slowly first, then at game speed. Use positive examples from students when possible. Show incorrect technique to highlight differences.

Verbal Cues

•'Two hands on the ball!'
•'Swing and follow through!'
•'Create a target!'
•'Backwards only!'
•'Support your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from hazards, stones, or holes that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Rugby balls properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
•Check all equipment before lesson starts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between moving students
•Trips and falls during running activities
•Ball strikes from inaccurate passing
•Overexertion in game situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between pairs/groups enforced
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Controlled running speeds only
•No physical contact permitted
•Clear communication protocols established

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure safety rules are consistently followed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed