Lesson 4 - Forward Pass and Offside Rules
Foundations to Tournament Play
•Year 4
•Tag Rugby
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How do the forward pass and offside rules help make tag rugby fair and exciting for everyone?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and apply the forward pass rule during gameplay
- To demonstrate understanding of the offside rule and positioning
- To pass and receive the ball with increasing accuracy and control
Key Outcomes
- Students will correctly identify forward passes and explain why they are not allowed
- Students will position themselves correctly behind or beside the ball carrier to avoid offside
- Students will demonstrate improved ball handling skills in small game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation and distribute around activity areas
Alternative: Foam rugby balls, tennis balls for beginners
Ensure velcro strips are working, have spares available
Alternative: Coloured bands, strips of fabric
Mark boundaries and try lines clearly
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands
Key Vocabulary
A pass where the ball travels towards the opponent's try line, which is not allowed in rugby
Being in a position behind the ball carrier when not allowed, preventing fair play
Being in front of the ball carrier as a defender, or behind/beside as an attacker
The player currently holding the ball
The line where teams must place the ball to score points
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills - catching and throwing
- Understanding of team games and basic rules
- Experience with running and dodging movements
Current Skills
- Backward and sideways passing under pressure
- Positional awareness relative to ball carrier
- Rule application in game situations
Next Steps
- Advanced passing techniques in game situations
- Strategic positioning for attack and defence
- Full game application with multiple rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ball must travel backwards or sideways only - never towards opponent's try line
- Players must be behind or beside ball carrier to receive passes
- Defenders must get onside (in front of ball carrier) after making a tag
- Use two hands for controlled passing with underarm throwing technique
- Turn to look at your target before passing
- Communication is key - call for the ball and talk to teammates
- Rules exist to make the game fair and enjoyable for everyone
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking sideways passes are not allowed (they are permitted)
- Believing defenders can stay behind ball carrier after making tag
- Assuming faster pace always leads to better play
- Thinking rules restrict enjoyment rather than enhance fairness
- Confusing which direction constitutes 'forward' in relation to try line
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear start/stop signals, regular movement breaks, specific role assignments
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual rule reminders, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, partner with sighted student
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule summaries
physical disability
- Adapt to seated passing where appropriate, modify game areas, provide alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Spatial awareness and geometry through positioning, angles of passes, measuring distances
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, physics of direction and momentum
Geography
Directional vocabulary, understanding of relative positioning, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Fair play and rules, teamwork and cooperation, respect for others and authority
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for rule compliance, passing technique, and positioning awareness
Intervention Points
Step in when rules are consistently broken or unsafe play occurs
Demonstration Notes
Use students as examples, exaggerate movements for visibility, repeat key demonstrations as needed
Verbal Cues
- •'Behind the ball carrier!'
- •'Backwards or sideways only!'
- •'Get onside before continuing!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall
Surface Check
Flat, dry surface free from holes or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rugby balls are properly inflated
- •Ensure tag belts are in good condition with working velcro
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during tag games
- •Trips and falls during running activities
- •Contact during tagging in game situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and understood
- •Emphasis on controlled movement and gentle tagging
- •Progressive building of pace throughout lesson
- •Adequate spacing between groups during activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups during game activities
- •Monitor for rough play or inappropriate contact
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students continue safely under supervision