Lesson 2 - Passing and Moving in 3v3 Games
Core Skills to Game Tactics
•Year 4
•Tag Rugby
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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
Ensure belts are adjustable and secure but easily removable
Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, fabric strips
Check balls are properly inflated and suitable for age group
Alternative: Foam rugby balls, size 3 rugby balls
Use to mark try lines and game boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spot markers
Contrasting colours for clear team identification
Alternative: Different coloured tag belts
Key Vocabulary
Removing a tag belt or touching an opponent to stop their attack
A pass given after being tagged, must go backwards
Scoring by grounding the ball over the try line
Being ahead of the ball carrier when you're on the attacking team
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
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