Lesson 2 - Accurate Passing and Catching
Skills to Team Mastery
•Year 5
•Tag Rugby
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How can we use accurate passing and catching to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities in tag rugby?
Learning Objectives
- To throw a tag rugby ball accurately using correct technique
- To catch a tag rugby ball with control under pressure
- To move into space effectively to support team play
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate swing pass technique with hands positioned correctly on the ball
- Students will catch the ball consistently using proper hand positioning and body control
- Students will show improved spatial awareness and movement to support teammates
Equipment & Resources Required
Use for marking boundaries and target areas throughout lesson
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines for boundaries
Ensure balls are properly inflated and suitable for age group
Alternative: American footballs or oval-shaped foam balls
Use to distinguish teams during game activities
Alternative: Coloured bibs or bandanas
Key Vocabulary
A passing technique where arms swing like a pendulum to propel the ball sideways
The lengthwise edges of the rugby ball where hands should be placed for grip
Empty areas on the field where players can move to receive passes or avoid opponents
Moving to positions where teammates can pass the ball safely
When opponents are close and trying to intercept or tag the ball carrier
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills with round balls
- Understanding of personal space and movement
- Simple throwing and catching techniques
Current Skills
- Correct grip and hold of rugby ball
- Swing pass technique development
- Catching under pressure
- Movement into space for support
Next Steps
- Passing while running at speed
- Tactical decision making in games
- Defensive positioning and interception
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Hold rugby ball on the long sides with hands positioned in W shape
- Stand sideways to target when passing for better accuracy and power
- Use pendulum arm swing motion for consistent and controlled ball release
- Receivers must actively reach out to meet the ball rather than wait for it
- Cannot move feet when holding the ball during game situations
- Quality technique is more important than speed - accuracy builds confidence
- Communication and teamwork are essential for successful tag rugby play
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking rugby ball behaves like a round ball - explain unpredictable bounce due to oval shape
- Believing they can hold the ball anywhere - emphasise long sides grip for control
- Expecting to pass immediately with power - explain need for technique development first
- Thinking they can move while holding ball in games - clarify stationary rule for fairness
- Assuming catching is passive - teach active hands-out approach
- Believing individual skill is most important - emphasise teamwork and support play
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear physical boundaries, use movement breaks between skill practice
dyspraxia
- Use larger, easier-to-grip balls, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide extra practice time and support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structured routines, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zone available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for spatial positioning, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written technique reminders on display
physical disability
- Adapt to seated position if needed, use lighter/softer balls, modify throwing distance and technique as required
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring passing distances, counting consecutive passes, calculating team scores and success rates
Science
Understanding forces in ball flight, trajectory and momentum in passing, muscle groups used in throwing
Geography
Spatial awareness and direction, understanding of areas and boundaries, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respecting others and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly between groups to provide individual feedback and ensure safety
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique development, safe play, and positive team interaction
Intervention Points
Step in when technique significantly breaks down, safety rules are ignored, or students become frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, involve confident students as models
Verbal Cues
- •'Pendulum arms!' for swing pass reminder
- •'W hands!' for grip reminder
- •'Sideways stance!' for body position
- •'Meet the ball!' for catching technique
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area for full class activities
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rugby balls are properly inflated but not over-inflated
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify team bands are in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Overexertion during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and communicated
- •Adequate spacing between groups maintained
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •No-contact rule enforced strictly
- •Controlled ball pressure and throwing intensity
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor high-activity areas closely
- •Intervene immediately for unsafe behaviour
- •Regular head counts during transitions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required