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Lesson 2 - Pocket Passing Under Pressure

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 I pass accurately from both sides of my body while moving under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To develop pocket passing technique from both right and left sides
To improve receiving skills while creating clear targets
To apply passing and receiving skills under game pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will execute pocket passes accurately from both sides of their body
Students will demonstrate effective target creation when receiving
Students will communicate clearly during competitive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around activity area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam footballs, size 3 footballs for easier handling

Tag Belts

30 (1 per student)

Pre-fitted with tags, checked for secure velcro

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into waistbands

Cones

20 large cones

Mark boundaries, turning points, and target areas

Alternative: Marker spots, plastic bottles

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Two distinct colours for team games

Alternative: Different coloured tag belts

Key Vocabulary

Pocket passing

Passing the ball from either side of your body (left or right pocket) with accuracy

Target

Creating a clear hand position (W shape) for teammates to aim passes at

Tagged

When a defender removes your tag belt - must be called out loudly

Hand rolling

Rotating hands from fingers up to fingers down when catching high and low balls

Step into pass

Taking a step forward with opposite foot when making a pass for power and accuracy

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from Unit 3
Understanding of tag rugby safety rules
Simple passing and catching in static positions

Current Skills

Pocket passing technique from both sides
Target creation for receiving
Passing and receiving under pressure

Next Steps

Backward passing rules in tag rugby
Strategic game play and positioning
Advanced evasion techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistent pocket passes from non-dominant side

Quick decision-making under pressure

Clear communication during game situations

Key Teaching Points

Pocket passing requires opposite foot forward for accuracy and power
Target creation with W-shaped hands gives passers a clear aim point
Hand rolling technique essential for catching balls at different heights
Calling 'Tagged!' loudly ensures fair play and game flow
Communication and encouragement improve team performance
Practice under pressure prepares players for game situations
Self-assessment builds awareness of personal improvement needs

Common Misconceptions

Thinking pocket passing is just normal passing - emphasise the pocket position and opposite foot step
Believing forward passes are never allowed in rugby - explain this is tag rugby with modified rules for learning
Assuming rough tagging makes you a better defender - teach gentle but effective tag removal
Thinking you can't improve non-dominant side passing - show that practice develops both sides equally
Believing communication isn't important in sport - demonstrate how it improves team performance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Larger equipment initially, slower progressions, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns

autism spectrum

Clear routine explanation, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available, consistent language and instructions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified tag removal, adapted equipment sizes, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, listening carefully, giving clear instructions, descriptive vocabulary

Maths

Counting passes in sequences, measuring distances, angles of passes, scoring and statistics

Science

Forces in passing and catching, trajectory and arc of ball flight, body systems during exercise

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when making mistakes, celebrating others' success, fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activity areas to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for passing technique, safe tagging, spatial awareness, and communication

Intervention Points

Step in for safety issues, technical corrections, or behaviour management

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for passing technique, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'Opposite foot forward!'
•'Create that target!'
•'Gentle tagging only!'
•'Call Tagged!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rugby balls are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure tag belts have secure velcro and no sharp edges
•Verify cones are stable and visible
•Check bibs are clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Inappropriate tagging force

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between groups and activities
•Demonstration of safe tagging technique
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Teacher positioning for maximum visibility

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to oversee all activity areas
•Monitor high-energy activities closely
•Intervene quickly in safety situations
•Ensure students follow safety instructions

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal understood by all, first aid kit accessible, clear procedures for injuries