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Lesson 3 - Passing Backwards and Dummy Passes

Individual Skills to Team Tactics

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we use deception and precise passing to outfox defenders in tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

To pass a rugby ball backwards accurately whilst moving
To perform convincing dummy passes to deceive defenders
To apply attacking and defensive skills in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate backwards passing whilst on the move
Students will execute dummy passes with clear deceptive movement
Students will apply skills effectively under pressure from defenders

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam rugby balls, size 3 rugby balls for smaller hands

Tag Belts

30 (1 per student)

Pre-distributed or in baskets at activity start

Alternative: Fabric strips, bandanas tucked into waistbands

Cones

Mark court boundaries and activity areas

Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (for defenders/differentiation)

Available for activity progression

Alternative: Different coloured tag belts

Key Vocabulary

Backwards pass

Throwing the ball towards your own goal line, which is the only legal direction in rugby

Dummy pass

A fake passing movement designed to deceive the defender

Commit a defender

Running directly at a defender to force them to make a decision

Support player

A teammate positioned behind the ball carrier ready to receive a pass

Close down space

Moving quickly towards the attacker to reduce their options

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of forwards and backwards direction
Basic tag rugby rules and safety

Current Skills

Accurate backwards passing whilst moving
Dummy passing technique and timing
Decision making under defensive pressure

Next Steps

Complex passing patterns in team attacks
Advanced dummy techniques and variations
Reading defensive patterns and exploiting weaknesses

Milestone Indicators

Consistent backwards passing without forward passes

Convincing dummy passes that cause defenders to hesitate

Effective decision making between passing and dummying

Key Teaching Points

Rugby ball must always be passed backwards towards own goal
Dummy passes must be sharp and convincing to deceive defenders
Commit defenders by running straight at them before making decisions
Support players must stay behind and ready to receive
Defenders should close space quickly and stay balanced
Make decisions based on what the defender does, not predetermined plans
Communication and eye contact essential for successful partnerships

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can pass forwards like in other sports - reinforce backwards rule constantly
Believing dummy passes should be gentle - emphasise sharp, convincing movement
Assuming defenders should wait - teach aggressive space-closing
Thinking skills work in isolation - emphasise decision making based on game situation
Believing only fast students can succeed - show how technique beats speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger target areas, reduced complexity initially, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal cues for direction, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for commands, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified tag positions, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles and direction (backwards/forwards), spatial awareness, measuring distances

Science

Forces and motion, momentum and deceleration, reaction times

Geography

Directions and compass points, spatial mapping of field positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to observe technique, position for safety oversight during game applications

Observation Focus

Watch for backwards passing accuracy, convincing dummy technique, safe defensive play

Intervention Points

Step in if forward passes repeated, unsafe tag attempts, or students struggling with concepts

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate backwards direction, show sharp dummy movement, model safe tag technique

Verbal Cues

•'Backwards only!'
•'Sell that dummy!'
•'Commit the defender!'
•'Quick feet defenders!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area, ideally full sports hall or playground

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, check for wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rugby balls properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure tag belts secure but not too tight
•Cones stable and no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Slips when changing direction
•Ball impact injuries
•Tag-related contact

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and controlled pace
•Adequate spacing between activity groups
•Proper tag technique demonstrated
•Progressive skill building before pressure situations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all groups
•Monitor intensity levels during games
•Watch for safe tag attempts only

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response