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Lesson 2 - Passing and Moving in 3v3 Games

Core Skills to Game Tactics

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

How can we combine passing and moving skills to win tag rugby games?

Learning Objectives

To extend understanding of passing and moving by applying skills in 3v3 mini games
To demonstrate accurate backward passing whilst moving forwards
To understand and apply tag rugby rules including offside

Key Outcomes

Students will pass accurately backwards whilst moving forwards to score tries
Students will demonstrate understanding of tag rugby rules through game play
Students will work effectively in teams showing collaboration and communication

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Ensure belts are adjustable and secure but easily removable

Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, fabric strips

Rugby Balls

4-5 balls

Check balls are properly inflated and suitable for age group

Alternative: Foam rugby balls, size 3 rugby balls

Cones

20 cones

Use to mark try lines and game boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spot markers

pinnies

15 (for team identification)

Contrasting colours for clear team identification

Alternative: Different coloured tag belts

Key Vocabulary

Tag

Removing a tag belt or touching an opponent to stop their attack

Free pass

A pass given after being tagged, must go backwards

Try

Scoring by grounding the ball over the try line

Offside

Being ahead of the ball carrier when you're on the attacking team

Forward pass

An illegal pass that goes towards the opponent's try line

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching skills
Understanding of forward and backward passes
Simple tag rugby rules from Unit 1

Current Skills

Passing backwards whilst moving forwards
Creating and using space in attack
Understanding offside rule

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play in larger teams
Self-officiating with confidence
Complex game strategies and set plays

Milestone Indicators

Consistent backward passing under pressure

Understanding of free pass following tag

Effective space creation and use

Key Teaching Points

Always pass backwards - this is fundamental to tag rugby
Stay behind the ball carrier to avoid offside
Tagged players must immediately pass backwards
Referees play a crucial role in fair play
Create space by running into gaps
Safe tagging technique protects all players
Teamwork and communication are essential

Common Misconceptions

Thinking possession is lost when tagged - actually get a free pass
Believing forward passes are allowed under pressure
Assuming the tagged player can continue attacking
Not understanding that all attackers must stay behind the ball
Thinking physical contact is allowed beyond tagging

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with breaks, clear role definitions, regular positive feedback, movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger balls, simplified rules initially, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine establishment, visual rule reminders, quiet zones available, predictable role rotations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal instructions, buddy system for guidance, audible boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, written rule cards, vibrating whistle for referee

physical disability

Modified tagging using foam hands, seated referee role, adapted field size

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting tries scored, measuring playing areas, understanding angles of passes and movement

Science

Forces in passing and catching, friction between boots and ground, heart rate changes during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction and movement, mapping of player positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, respect for officials, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between playing areas to observe all groups, position near centre for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate backward passing, safe tagging technique, referee effectiveness, and team dynamics

Intervention Points

["Step in if unsafe play occurs", "Support referees who are struggling", "Provide tactical hints to improve game quality"]

Demonstration Notes

Use freeze moments during games to highlight good examples, demonstrate correct technique when rules are broken

Verbal Cues

•'Backwards only!'
•'Stay behind the ball!'
•'Safe tagging!'
•'Well done referee!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple 15m x 10m areas, minimum 2m between playing areas

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from hazards and suitable for running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts are secure but not too tight
•Ensure balls are properly inflated
•Cones positioned safely away from playing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during attacking play
•Inappropriate tagging technique
•Overcompetitive behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each playing area
•Emphasis on safe tagging technique throughout
•Teacher monitoring of competitive intensity
•Regular breaks to check understanding and technique

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple games simultaneously
•Monitor referee performance and player behaviour
•Be prepared to stop games for safety or teaching points

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately with whistle signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, continue with modified activity if safe