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Lesson 2 - Throwing and Catching with Control

Foundations to Tournament Play

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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1h 10min

Big Question

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

Rugby Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Inflate to correct pressure, check for damage before lesson

Alternative: Soft rugby balls, American footballs for similar shape

Cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries

Team bibs

16 (4 each of 4 colours)

Ensure contrast between teams for easy identification

Alternative: Different coloured cones for team identification

Measuring Tapes

For setting up accurate passing distances

Alternative: Pre-marked distances with cones

Key Vocabulary

W-grip

Holding the rugby ball with fingers spread in a W shape on the long sides

Sideways-on

Standing with shoulder pointing towards your target

Pendulum

Swinging arms back and forth like a clock pendulum

Supporting space

A position where you can receive a pass - not too far, not too close, not behind

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Intercept

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

Consistent use of W-grip without reminders

Accurate passes over 6-8 metre distances

Catching balls without dropping in game situations

Natural movement into supporting positions

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