Lesson 3 - Forward Pass and Offside Rules
Skills to Team Mastery
•Year 5
•Tag Rugby
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check balls are properly inflated and distribute around area perimeter
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, soft foam balls for nervous students
Use to mark boundaries, try lines, and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk lines
Distribute to distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured t-shirts
For timing activities and managing lesson pace
Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock
Key Vocabulary
A pass where the ball travels in the direction of the team's scoring line (try line) - not allowed in rugby
When a defending player is behind the ball carrier during play - defenders must be in front of ball carrier to be onside
The line at each end of the pitch where teams score points by placing the ball down
The player currently holding and running with the ball
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
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