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Lesson 3 - Forward Pass and Offside Rules

Skills to Team Mastery

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Year 5

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can understanding and applying rugby rules help us create better attacking play?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply the 'forward pass' rule in game situations
To understand and apply the 'offside' rule during tag rugby
To use rules knowledge to create effective attacking strategies

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of forward pass and offside rules
Students will show improved passing accuracy under pressure
Students will work as a team to create space and maintain possession

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

Check balls are properly inflated and distribute around area perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, soft foam balls for nervous students

Cones

Use to mark boundaries, try lines, and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk lines

Team bibs

30 (2 colours)

Distribute to distinguish teams during games

Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured t-shirts

Stopwatch

For timing activities and managing lesson pace

Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Forward pass

A pass where the ball travels in the direction of the team's scoring line (try line) - not allowed in rugby

Offside

When a defending player is behind the ball carrier during play - defenders must be in front of ball carrier to be onside

Try line

The line at each end of the pitch where teams score points by placing the ball down

Ball carrier

The player currently holding and running with the ball

Tag

Touching a ball carrier on the hip to stop their forward progress

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of tag rugby basic gameplay
Simple passing techniques from previous lessons

Current Skills

Application of forward pass rule
Understanding and applying offside rule
Passing under pressure while moving
Creating and using space effectively

Next Steps

Advanced attacking strategies and patterns
Defensive positioning and tactics
Game management and decision making under pressure

Milestone Indicators

Consistent backward/sideways passing during game play

Players naturally moving to onside positions

Improved decision making about when and where to pass

Key Teaching Points

Forward passes are towards the try line and not allowed in rugby
Offside means being behind the ball carrier when defending
Turn your body and look at the person you are passing to
Support the ball carrier by staying behind or level with them
Gentle tagging on the hip only for safety
Team coordination is key to successful attacking play
Rules exist to make the game fair and exciting for everyone

Common Misconceptions

Forward direction confusion - use try line as clear reference point
Thinking offside applies to attackers - clarify it's about defenders only
Believing all passes must be backwards - sideways passes are also legal
Assuming rules don't matter in practice - emphasise they apply always
Confusing rugby rules with football rules - highlight key differences

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for passing skills, simplified movement patterns initially, peer support available

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game management, written rule cards available

physical disability

Modify tagging to gentle touch anywhere appropriate, seated or supported positions available, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Spatial awareness and angles when passing, counting passes and tags, measuring distances for playing areas

Science

Forces involved in passing, trajectory and momentum, understanding of body systems during exercise

Geography

Directions and compass points when explaining forward/backward passing, spatial mapping of playing areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and rule following, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can see all groups during activities, move between groups during games

Observation Focus

Watch for rule application, safe play, and understanding development

Intervention Points

Step in if rules being consistently broken or unsafe play occurring

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with clear, exaggerated movements so all students can see the technique

Verbal Cues

•'Backward passes only!'
•'Get onside!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Keep your head up!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, additional 10m x 10m areas for group games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for sudden direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•Team bands fit properly without risk of strangulation

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic movement activities
•Trips and falls during direction changes
•Over-competitive behaviour during games
•Improper tagging technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Emphasis on controlled movement and safe spacing
•Gentle tagging technique taught and reinforced
•Progressive skill building from walking to running

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas like game zones
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety decisions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek help