Lesson 2 - Throwing and Catching with Control
Foundations to Tournament Play
•Year 4
•Tag Rugby
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How can we use accurate passing and smart movement to keep possession of the ball in tag rugby?
Learning Objectives
- To develop throwing and catching a rugby ball with increasing control
- To identify when we were successful and what we need to do to improve
- To understand the importance of running into space when receiving the ball
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved passing accuracy using the W-grip technique
- Students will catch the ball consistently using correct hand positioning
- Students will run into space effectively to support teammates
- Students will self-assess their performance and identify areas for improvement
Equipment & Resources Required
Inflate to correct pressure, check for damage before lesson
Alternative: Soft rugby balls, American footballs for similar shape
Use bright colours for clear visibility
Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries
Ensure contrast between teams for easy identification
Alternative: Different coloured cones for team identification
For setting up accurate passing distances
Alternative: Pre-marked distances with cones
Key Vocabulary
Holding the rugby ball with fingers spread in a W shape on the long sides
Standing with shoulder pointing towards your target
Swinging arms back and forth like a clock pendulum
A position where you can receive a pass - not too far, not too close, not behind
When your team has control of the ball
Catching a pass meant for the other team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from previous PE lessons
- Understanding of personal space and movement
- Experience with simple passing and catching activities
- Basic understanding of teamwork in games
Current Skills
- W-grip ball holding technique for rugby balls
- Sideways-on passing stance and pendulum arm action
- Meeting the ball with hands when catching
- Running with ball and passing while moving
- Supporting teammates by moving into space
Next Steps
- Backwards passing rule in tag rugby
- Tagging and evading skills
- Simple attacking strategies
- Understanding of offside in tag rugby
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- W-grip is fundamental - fingers spread wide on long sides of ball
- Sideways-on stance with shoulder pointing at target improves accuracy
- Pendulum arm action creates smooth, controlled passing motion
- Meet the ball with hands when catching - don't wait for it to come to you
- Running into space makes you available for passes and harder to defend
- Supporting players should position themselves not too close, not too far, and not directly behind ball carrier
- In possession games, moving without the ball is as important as having good ball skills
Common Misconceptions
- Students think passing harder equals passing further - emphasise technique over force
- Many believe they should face their target square-on - reinforce sideways stance
- Students often wait for the ball to come to them when catching - teach active reaching
- Common belief that good players should always run with ball - teach when to pass vs when to run
- Misconception that support players should stay close to ball carrier - teach good spacing
- Students think they need different technique for longer passes - same technique with more power
- Many believe possession games are about individual skill - emphasise team movement and passing
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear simple instructions, immediate feedback, movement breaks, specific roles in team games
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier handling, reduced complexity in games, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown, peer support
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual schedule, defined boundaries, quiet retreat space available, consistent routines and signals
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of movements, assign sighted buddy for guidance, use sound cues for direction
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking
physical disability
- Seated passing practice, modified distances, lighter balls, focus on upper body technique, wheelchair-accessible variations
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes accurately, measuring distances for passing practice, timing activities, scoring and calculating team points
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and catching, trajectory of ball flight, balance and coordination in movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping player positions
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, leadership during group activities, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during skill practice, central position during games for overall monitoring
Observation Focus
Watch for correct W-grip formation, pendulum arm action, ball security, and safe movement patterns
Intervention Points
Step in if technique is unsafe, if students are not following game rules, or if someone appears distressed
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all techniques clearly before practice, use students as positive examples, show common mistakes to avoid
Verbal Cues
- •'W-grip everyone!'
- •'Pendulum arms!'
- •'Meet the ball!'
- •'Run into space!'
- •'Gentle touches only!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area clear of obstacles with additional 2m safety border
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rugby balls are properly inflated and have no damage
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify team bands are in good condition with no tears
- •Check all equipment is age-appropriate size and weight
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Ball strikes to head or body during passing practice
- •Slips and falls on unsuitable surfaces
- •Overexertion in high-energy games
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and safety zones
- •Enforce controlled passing technique
- •Ensure adequate spacing between activities
- •Monitor intensity levels and provide rest as needed
- •Teach and enforce gentle contact only in games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all activities
- •Move around groups during practice to check technique
- •Monitor game areas for safe play
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or distress
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional help if needed