Lesson 1 - Passing and Moving with the Ball
Team Play & Territory
•Year 3
•Tag Rugby
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Distributed around the area perimeter before lesson starts
Alternative: Foam balls, rugby-style balls, or soft touch balls
Mark try lines and area boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
For team identification in group activities
Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers
Key Vocabulary
A score worth 5 points achieved by placing the ball down with two hands behind the opponent's try line
Having control of the ball as a team
A passing technique where hands follow through in the direction of the pass
Creating a clear area for your teammate to pass to, usually with ready hands
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
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