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Lesson 5 - Passing & Moving Skills

Core Skills to Game Tactics

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we combine passing and moving skills to outsmart defenders and score tries in tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

To combine passing and moving skills to create space and beat opponents
To understand and apply attacking support play in tag rugby
To develop tactical awareness of offside rules and positioning after tags

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate fluid attacking movements with accurate passing
Students will show understanding of support play and positioning
Students will apply tag rugby rules consistently in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 set per student (30 sets)

Check belts are secure and tags attach properly before use

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts, fabric strips

Rugby Balls

8-10 balls

Balls should be appropriate size for Year 4 hands

Alternative: Foam balls, size 3 footballs for handling practice

Coloured Cones

20-30 cones

Use different colours to mark boundaries and zones clearly

Alternative: Sports markers, chalk lines on playground

Coloured Bibs

15 each of 2 colours

Ensure clear team identification for all activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, temporary team markers

Key Vocabulary

Offside

When attacking players are ahead of the ball carrier, which is not allowed in tag rugby

Support play

Positioning yourself to help the ball carrier by being available for a pass

Offload

Passing the ball just before being tagged to maintain possession

Creating space

Moving to areas where there are no defenders to make scoring easier

Ball carrier

The player currently holding the ball and leading the attack

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and passing skills
Understanding of tagging rules
Basic running with ball technique
Simple attacking and defending concepts

Current Skills

Combining passing and moving in sequence
Support play positioning and timing
Creating space through coordinated movement
Understanding offside rules and positioning after tags

Next Steps

Advanced attacking patterns and set plays
Complex defensive strategies and counter-attacking
Game management and tactical decision making
Leadership roles in organising team attacks

Milestone Indicators

Students can execute 3+ pass attacking moves consistently

Support players position themselves effectively without instruction

Teams can reorganise quickly after tags

Students demonstrate understanding of offside through positioning

Key Teaching Points

Support players must always stay behind or level with the ball carrier to avoid offside
Creating space through movement is more effective than trying to force through defenders
Timing of passes is crucial - draw defenders before releasing the ball
Good communication between teammates makes attacking moves more effective
Understanding restart procedures after tags maintains game flow
The extra player in 4v3 situations should be used strategically to create overloads
Offload passing just before being tagged can maintain attacking momentum

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can run ahead of the ball carrier - explain offside rule clearly
Believing faster players always score - emphasise teamwork and tactical play
Assuming all support players should follow the ball carrier - teach about spreading wide
Thinking tagging means the attack is over - explain restart opportunities
Believing physical strength is most important - highlight skill and tactics

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear roles and responsibilities, offer movement breaks when required

dyspraxia

Use larger balls for easier handling, allow extra time for skill development, provide step-by-step movement breakdowns

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and expectations, use visual schedules for lesson structure, create quiet zones if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of positioning, assign buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure clear line of sight for communication, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Modify tagging to gentle touch, use smaller playing areas, allow walking instead of running where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting players in different formations, calculating space and angles for attacking moves, measuring distances for optimal positioning

Science

Understanding forces and motion in running and passing, discussing reaction times and decision-making processes

Geography

Using directional language and spatial awareness, mapping attacking patterns and field positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, respect for opponents, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities to observe all students, position for clear demonstration visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, safe play, rule application, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when safety issues arise, when rule clarification needed, or when motivation requires boosting

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for demonstrations, repeat key concepts multiple times, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Support behind the ball carrier!'
•'Hold the ball until the last moment!'
•'Quick reorganisation after the tag!'
•'Use your extra player advantage!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 15m per game, clear safety zones around playing areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, stones, or dangerous objects

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts are secure and tags attached properly
•Ensure rugby balls are appropriate size and not over-inflated
•Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Confirm bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during attacking moves
•Falls when changing direction at speed
•Disputes over tagging or rule interpretations
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and monitored
•Appropriate spacing between different games
•Progressive skill building before competitive play
•Controlled contact rules enforced consistently
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor high-activity zones for potential conflicts
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Be alert for rule disputes requiring intervention

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required