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Lesson 4 - Forward Pass and Offside Rules

Foundations to Tournament Play

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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58 min

Big Question

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

Rugby Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Check inflation and distribute around activity areas

Alternative: Foam rugby balls, tennis balls for beginners

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Ensure velcro strips are working, have spares available

Alternative: Coloured bands, strips of fabric

Cones

Mark boundaries and try lines clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (various colours)

Different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands

Key Vocabulary

Forward pass

A pass where the ball travels towards the opponent's try line, which is not allowed in rugby

Offside

Being in a position behind the ball carrier when not allowed, preventing fair play

Onside position

Being in front of the ball carrier as a defender, or behind/beside as an attacker

Ball carrier

The player currently holding the ball

Try line

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

Passes consistently travel backwards or sideways

Students self-correct positioning without prompting

Can explain rules to others clearly

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