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Lesson 1 - Passing, Moving and Creating Space

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 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

Rugby Balls

1 per 6 students (5 total)

Balls should be appropriate size for Year 4 hands

Alternative: Foam balls, oval-shaped balls

Cones

20-30

For marking zones and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots

Bibs

1 per student (30)

To identify teams and roles clearly

Alternative: Different coloured shirts

Key Vocabulary

Tag

Touching an opponent with the ball to stop their forward progress

Offside

Being ahead of the ball carrier when you should be behind them

Free Pass

An uncontested pass given after a tag has been made

Support

Players positioning themselves to help the ball carrier

Try

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

Consistent accurate passing under pressure

Natural movement to create space

Instinctive understanding of offside positioning

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