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Lesson 1 - Basic Passing and Team Attack

Attack & Decision Making

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

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

Rugby Balls

1 per 2-3 students (10-15 total)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 rugby balls, foam rugby balls for safety

Coloured Cones

20-30

Used to mark areas, try lines, and activity boundaries

Alternative: Dome markers, spot markers

Tag Belts

1 belt per student + 60 tags total

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into waistbands

Sun Markers

1 set

For demonstrating passing technique and tactics

Alternative: Flip chart, tactical board

Key Vocabulary

Accurate passing

Throwing the ball exactly where you want it to go, making it easy for your teammate to catch

Tag

Touching an opponent with the ball to stop their attack

Try

Scoring by placing the ball down beyond the try line

Attack

When your team has the ball and is trying to score

Intercept

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

Consistent accurate passes over 5-metre distance

Successful team attacks resulting in tries

Clear understanding of when and where to pass

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