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Lesson 4 - Backwards Passing & Overlaps

Individual Skills to Team Tactics

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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1h 5min

Big Question

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

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Ensure belts are properly fitted and tags are securely attached

Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, velcro belts

Key Vocabulary

Pop pass

A short upward pass where hands go under the ball and 'pop' it upwards for a teammate to catch

Overlap

When a player loops behind a teammate after passing to create an extra attacking option

Knock-on

When the ball is accidentally hit or dropped forward by a player's hand or arm

Forward pass

An illegal pass where the ball travels forward towards the opponents' goal line

Advantage rule

When play continues after an infringement if the non-offending team gains an advantage

Tap penalty

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

Students can pass backwards consistently without looking at the ball

Students automatically loop behind after passing to create overlaps

Students can identify and respond to knock-ons and forward passes

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