Lesson 4 - Backwards Passing & Overlaps
Individual Skills to Team Tactics
•Year 4
•Tag Rugby
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How can we use overlaps and backwards passing to create space and score tries whilst following rugby rules?
Learning Objectives
- To pass backwards consistently whilst maintaining possession
- To create and use overlaps to support attacking play
- To understand and apply tag rugby rules including knock-ons and forward passes
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent backwards passing whilst moving
- Students will create overlaps by looping behind teammates after passing
- Students will work effectively alongside and against others in attacking and defending situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Ensure belts are properly fitted and tags are securely attached
Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, velcro belts
Check tags attach and release properly from belts
Alternative: Coloured bibs or markers
Mix of sizes available for differentiation purposes
Alternative: Foam rugby balls, size 3 rugby balls for easier handling
Used to mark court areas and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots, bean bags
For filming student work to support assessment judgements
Alternative: Phone camera, video camera
Key Vocabulary
A short upward pass where hands go under the ball and 'pop' it upwards for a teammate to catch
When a player loops behind a teammate after passing to create an extra attacking option
When the ball is accidentally hit or dropped forward by a player's hand or arm
An illegal pass where the ball travels forward towards the opponents' goal line
When play continues after an infringement if the non-offending team gains an advantage
A method of restarting play where the ball is tapped with the foot and passed backwards
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of backwards passing concept
- Experience with dummy passing techniques
Current Skills
- Consistent backwards passing whilst moving
- Creating overlaps through looping movements
- Understanding tag rugby rules and infringements
Next Steps
- Advanced attacking patterns and set plays
- Defensive positioning and communication
- Game management and referee decision making
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ball carriers must run forward whilst supporters stay behind the ball line
- Overlaps are created by passing then looping behind the receiver to the outside
- Pop passes use hands underneath the ball with gentle upward motion
- Backwards passing direction is crucial - ball must travel towards own goal line
- Tag removal should be gentle and controlled, followed by immediate pass
- Advantage rule allows play to continue when non-offending team benefits
- Teamwork in attack and defence requires communication and spatial awareness
Common Misconceptions
- Belief that supporting players can run ahead of the ball carrier
- Thinking overlaps involve running in front of teammates rather than behind
- Confusion about which direction constitutes a backwards pass
- Misunderstanding that tagged players can keep running
- Assumption that all infringements result in immediate game stoppages
- Belief that physical contact is acceptable in tag rugby
- Thinking that only fast runners can create effective overlaps
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, use movement breaks between skill practices
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls, reduce complexity of overlap movements, provide additional practice time for motor skills
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routines and expectations, use visual schedules, create quiet zones if overwhelmed by competitive elements
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for support
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and gestures, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading, provide written rule summaries
physical disability
- Adapt movement requirements, allow seated or supported positions, modify tag removal technique as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing sports vocabulary, giving clear instructions to teammates, listening skills during rule explanations
Maths
Counting passes in sequence, measuring distances for games, calculating team scores and angles of passing
Science
Understanding forces in passing, friction between boots and ground, effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions in competitive situations, showing respect for opponents and officials
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly around groups to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility during game phases
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique development, positive sporting behaviour, and understanding of tactical concepts
Intervention Points
Step in when safety concerns arise, technique errors persist, or game flow breaks down due to rule misunderstanding
Demonstration Notes
Use student volunteers to demonstrate good practice, emphasise key teaching points through exaggerated movements, provide both positive and corrective examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Pass then loop!'
- •'Stay behind the ball!'
- •'Hands under, pop up!'
- •'Tagged - pass now!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from stones, holes, or other hazards that could cause trips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts are properly fitted and not too tight
- •Ensure tags release easily but don't fall off accidentally
- •Inspect rugby balls for proper inflation and no damage
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during overlap movements and running
- •Inappropriate tag removal causing imbalance
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Slips and falls on outdoor surfaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and running lanes established
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Emphasis on controlled tag removal technique
- •Adequate spacing between groups during activities
- •Clear stop signals and listening protocols
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor high-activity areas during game application
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
- •Ensure appropriate competitive intensity
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required