Lesson 3 - Passing Backwards and Dummy Passes
Individual Skills to Team Tactics
•Year 4
•Tag Rugby
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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
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Foam rugby balls, size 3 rugby balls for smaller hands
Pre-distributed or in baskets at activity start
Alternative: Fabric strips, bandanas tucked into waistbands
Mark court boundaries and activity areas
Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk lines
Available for activity progression
Alternative: Different coloured tag belts
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball towards your own goal line, which is the only legal direction in rugby
A fake passing movement designed to deceive the defender
Running directly at a defender to force them to make a decision
A teammate positioned behind the ball carrier ready to receive a pass
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
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