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Lesson 4 - Possession & Pop Passing

Skills to Team Tactics

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Year 5

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we keep possession of the ball and create attacking opportunities using accurate short passes?

Learning Objectives

To maintain possession immediately after a turnover situation
To execute accurate pop passes over short distances
To receive pop passes whilst moving at speed

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate quick reactions to regain possession
Students will perform pop passes with correct technique and timing
Students will show improved decision-making in attacking situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

15-20 (1 per student plus spares)

Distribute around perimeter of playing area

Alternative: Size 3 footballs or similar sized balls

Tag Belts

30 sets (1 per student)

Pre-distributed, checked for secure fastening

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts

Cones

20-30

Mark channels, boundaries and playing areas

Alternative: Spot markers or chalk lines

Bibs

15 (for defenders in warm-up)

Clearly distinguish defenders from attackers

Alternative: Different coloured tags or bands

Key Vocabulary

Pop Pass

A very short pass where the ball is 'popped' upward so it hangs in the air for the receiver to run onto

Turnover

When possession of the ball changes from one team to another

Maintaining Possession

Keeping control of the ball within your team through good handling and decision-making

Exploding onto the ball

Rapidly accelerating towards the ball when receiving a pass

Loose Ball

A ball that has been dropped or is not controlled by either team

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills with two-handed grip
Understanding of backwards passing rule
Knowledge of tag rugby basic rules and scoring

Current Skills

Developing pop passing technique with upward finger motion
Learning to maintain possession after turnovers
Improving timing of short passes in game situations

Next Steps

Combining pop passes with other passing techniques
Using pop passes in complex attacking patterns
Developing advanced decision-making under defensive pressure

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-handed grip with fingers pointing upward

Ball 'pops' cleanly from hands with minimal spin

Quick reaction to turnover situations within 2 seconds

Accurate pop passes over 3-5 metre distances

Key Teaching Points

Two-handed W grip is foundation for all pop passing technique
Upward finger action creates the characteristic 'pop' effect
Receiver must accelerate onto ball at highest point of trajectory
Step outside channel or pressure before executing pop pass
Maintain possession through quick decision-making after turnovers
Pop passes are most effective in close contact situations
Communication between passer and receiver is essential for timing

Common Misconceptions

Pop passes are just gentle throws - correct this by emphasising the sharp finger action
Any short pass is a pop pass - clarify that technique and trajectory are specific
Receivers should wait for the ball - teach explosive acceleration onto the pass
Pop passes work at any distance - explain they are specifically for short distances
Technique doesn't matter in games - reinforce that pressure makes technique more important

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement systems, leadership roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Slower progression through skills, larger balls initially, additional practice time, simplified instructions broken into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines, visual schedules showing lesson progression, quiet zones available, structured partner relationships

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, clear visual cues for game rules, vibrant coloured bibs for team identification

physical disability

Seated or stationary pop passing practice, modified distances, lighter balls, wheelchair-accessible versions with appropriate equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Estimating distances for pop passes, calculating angles of movement, measuring channel widths and understanding spatial relationships

Science

Understanding forces and trajectory in ball flight, biomechanics of finger action, physics of ball spin and movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction and movement patterns, understanding of positioning relative to teammates and opponents

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, leadership in team situations, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skill practice, position at corner of game areas for maximum visibility of all players during matches

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip and finger action during pop passes, monitor timing of acceleration onto ball, assess decision-making in game situations

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is consistently poor, if safety becomes a concern, or if games become too physical

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key points like finger action, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'W grip first!'
•'Pop it up, don't throw it!'
•'Explode onto the ball!'
•'Step out then pop!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m area for full lesson, clear of obstacles and with safe run-off areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and quick direction changes. Check for holes or debris.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure tag belts are secure and tags are properly attached
•Cones positioned safely away from high-activity areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic warm-up activities
•Falls during rapid direction changes
•Impacts from poor passing technique
•Overexertion in game situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines for all activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled technique over speed
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight of all activities
•Move between groups during skill practice
•Monitor game situations for overly physical play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess situation and provide appropriate first aid. Have emergency contact information readily available.