Lesson 1 - Basic Passing and Team Attack
Attack & Decision Making
•Year 4
•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 accurate passing help our team create successful attacks in Tag Rugby?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate passing and catching techniques in Tag Rugby
- To understand how teamwork and communication create attacking opportunities
- To apply basic passing skills in game-like situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved passing accuracy and catching technique
- Students will work effectively as a team to create and execute attacks
- Students will explain the importance of accurate passing in successful team play
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 rugby balls, foam rugby balls for safety
Used to mark areas, try lines, and activity boundaries
Alternative: Dome markers, spot markers
Two different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into waistbands
For demonstrating passing technique and tactics
Alternative: Flip chart, tactical board
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball exactly where you want it to go, making it easy for your teammate to catch
Touching an opponent with the ball to stop their attack
Scoring by placing the ball down beyond the try line
When your team has the ball and is trying to score
Catching the ball when the other 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 ball games
- Understanding of simple team cooperation
- Basic spatial awareness and movement
Current Skills
- Accurate passing and catching technique
- Basic attacking strategies in Tag Rugby
- Communication and teamwork during gameplay
Next Steps
- Advanced passing techniques (pop pass, spin pass)
- Defensive strategies and positioning
- Complex attacking patterns and set plays
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- W-grip with thumbs touching is essential for accurate passing and catching
- Sideways stance allows for natural body swing and improved accuracy
- Pass from outside waist across body to nearest side for maximum power
- Gentle two-handed tagging at waist level ensures safety for all players
- Teamwork and communication are as important as individual skills
- Accurate passing creates attacking opportunities and helps teams succeed
- Practice both left and right hip passing for complete skill development
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they need to throw hard rather than accurately - emphasise control over power
- Belief that running fast is more important than passing - show how passing creates better opportunities
- Thinking they can pass when tagged - clarify that play stops immediately when tagged
- Assumption that catching is just about hands - emphasise body position and eye tracking
- Belief that defending means just chasing the ball - teach interception and positioning
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter chunks, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement breaks between static activities
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls for easier catching, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet area available if needed for regulation
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instructions on board, ensure students can see teacher clearly
physical disability
- Adapt passing distances and heights, provide seated options where appropriate, use lighter balls if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, using descriptive vocabulary, explaining tactics to teammates
Maths
Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances, angles of passing direction
Science
Forces in throwing and catching, body movement and balance, teamwork like animal cooperation
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when things go wrong, respect for opponents and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at edge of activity area with clear view of all students, move to support struggling groups
Observation Focus
Watch for correct passing technique, safe tagging in games, positive teamwork
Intervention Points
Step in when technique breaks down, unsafe play occurs, or students become frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements so all students can see clearly, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key points regularly
Verbal Cues
- •'W-grip and sideways stance!'
- •'Point your hands at the target!'
- •'Gentle two-handed tags only!'
- •'Support your teammate with the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, glass, or other hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are correctly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure tag belts fit properly and tags are securely attached
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running and game play
- •Falls when changing direction quickly
- •Impact from balls during passing practice
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and safe spacing between activities
- •Emphasise controlled movement and awareness of others
- •Teach proper tagging technique to avoid rough contact
- •Use progressive skill building before full game application
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
- •Pay special attention during game phase when excitement is high
- •Monitor tagging technique to ensure safety guidelines followed
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately with clear whistle signal, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if required