Lesson 1 - Passing, Moving and Creating Space
Core Skills to Game Tactics
•Year 4
•Tag Rugby
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use passing and moving skills to beat defenders and score tries?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate backwards passing whilst moving forwards
- Create and use space effectively to beat opponents
- Apply basic offside rules in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved passing accuracy under pressure
- Students will show understanding of creating attacking opportunities through movement
- Students will apply offside rules consistently in gameplay
Equipment & Resources Required
Balls should be appropriate size for Year 4 hands
Alternative: Foam balls, oval-shaped balls
For marking zones and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots
To identify teams and roles clearly
Alternative: Different coloured shirts
Key Vocabulary
Touching an opponent with the ball to stop their forward progress
Being ahead of the ball carrier when you should be behind them
An uncontested pass given after a tag has been made
Players positioning themselves to help the ball carrier
Scoring by placing the ball down in the opponent's area
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and passing skills from Year 3
- Understanding of forwards and backwards in rugby
- Experience with 3v1 attacking scenarios
Current Skills
- Passing backwards whilst moving forwards
- Creating space through movement and positioning
- Understanding and applying offside rules
Next Steps
- Advanced attacking patterns and strategies
- More complex defensive positioning
- Full contact rugby skills development
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Rugby balls can only be passed backwards - this is fundamental to the sport
- Support players must stay behind the ball carrier to remain onside
- Gentle two-handed tagging only - safety is paramount in all contact
- When tagged, players must stop immediately and allow free pass
- Creating space through movement is as important as passing accuracy
- Good sportsmanship and respect for opponents builds character
- Zone restrictions help develop tactical understanding before open play
Common Misconceptions
- Believing rugby balls can be passed forwards like in other sports - emphasise backwards only
- Thinking harder tagging is more effective - teach that gentle control is better
- Assuming support players can run anywhere - explain offside positioning clearly
- Expecting immediate mastery of complex rules - build understanding gradually
- Focusing only on individual skill - emphasise team cooperation throughout
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular feedback and praise, use clear boundaries and structured games
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and clear step-by-step instructions
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, establish quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines and clear structure
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal cues for spatial awareness, implement buddy system for guidance and support
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written rule cards, ensure clear visual cues for stop/start
physical disability
- Adapt to seated wheelchair rugby if needed, modify tagging to shoulder touches, adjust distances and pace accordingly
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes before scoring, measuring zone distances, calculating tournament points and understanding angles of running
Science
Forces in passing and catching, friction between boots and ground, understanding of momentum in running with ball
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping attacking routes
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when making mistakes, respect for opponents and rules, leadership skills development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the area to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for safe tagging technique, backwards passing compliance, and positive team dynamics
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if tagging becomes too physical, if rules are consistently broken, or if students become frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate tagging technique clearly, exaggerate backwards passing motion for visibility, show offside positioning with multiple students as examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Gentle tags only - two hands on hips or back!'
- •'Remember backwards passing - spin the ball back!'
- •'Support players stay behind the ball carrier!'
- •'Excellent sportsmanship - that's how rugby should be played!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, level surface free from holes, stones or other dangers
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rugby balls are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify tags/bibs are secure and won't cause entanglement
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between students during gameplay
- •Inappropriate tagging leading to falls
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Overexertion in competitive situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise gentle two-handed tagging only throughout lesson
- •Establish clear boundaries and ensure adequate spacing
- •Progress from simple to complex activities systematically
- •Monitor competitive intensity and intervene if necessary
- •Ensure students understand immediate stop when tagged
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Move around to monitor tagging technique closely
- •Watch particularly for overenthusiastic contact
- •Be ready to intervene in competitive situations
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if required