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Lesson 2 - Miss Pass Technique and Application

Team Coordination

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Year 5

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

How can strategic passing decisions give our team an advantage in attack?

Learning Objectives

To understand and execute the miss pass technique effectively
To apply the miss pass strategically to outwit defenders and create scoring opportunities
To demonstrate understanding of when, where and why to use different passing techniques in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute miss passes accurately whilst moving at speed
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by choosing appropriate moments to use miss passes
Students will show improved attacking patterns through effective communication and support play

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Rugby Equipment

1 per student (30)

Ensure tags are securely attached and visible

Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, touch rugby adaptation

Rugby Balls

1 per 3-4 students (8-10 balls)

Check inflation and condition before lesson

Alternative: Soft play rugby balls, foam rugby balls for beginners

Cones

20-30

Use to mark zones, try lines and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (half class)

Contrasting colours for easy team identification

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tags

Key Vocabulary

Miss pass

A pass that deliberately bypasses the nearest supporting player to reach a player further away

Support play

Positioning yourself to help the ball carrier by providing passing options

Offloading

Passing the ball quickly before being tagged to maintain attack

Stretching defence

Spreading out the defending team to create gaps and opportunities

Running lines

The direction and path players take when supporting an attack

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching with both hands
Understanding of basic tag rugby rules and scoring
Experience with simple 2v1 attacking scenarios

Current Skills

Miss pass technique and execution
Strategic decision-making in attack
Advanced support play and communication

Next Steps

Combining miss passes with other advanced techniques
Defensive strategies to counter miss passes
Full game application with complex tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent pass accuracy under pressure

Making correct tactical decisions in game situations

Leading team attacks effectively

Key Teaching Points

Miss passes must bypass the nearest player cleanly - accuracy is crucial for success
Timing of the pass depends on defender positioning - read the defence before deciding
Communication between attackers is essential - call names and give clear signals
The dummy runner must sell the deception convincingly to confuse defenders
Ball carriers must be brave and pass just before being tagged - timing is everything
Support players must maintain formation and be ready for unexpected passes
Miss passes work best when defenders are drawn to the nearest attacker

Common Misconceptions

Thinking miss passes should be used in every situation - they're a tactical tool for specific moments
Believing the pass must be thrown higher - it should travel in a direct line past the first player
Assuming miss passes are only for advanced players - the technique can be learned progressively
Thinking the dummy runner is unimportant - they're crucial for selling the deception
Believing you need lots of space - miss passes can work in tight situations with good timing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear and frequent instructions, use movement to maintain engagement, offer leadership roles to channel energy positively

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for coordination skills, use larger target areas, provide step-by-step skill breakdowns, offer additional demonstrations and support

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules for lesson phases, offer quiet zones for breaks, maintain consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for support, use tactile markers for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure good sight lines for lip reading, provide written instruction cards, use gesture-based communication systems

physical disability

Adapt to wheelchair use with modified tagging rules, adjust distances and speeds as needed, provide alternative roles such as coach or referee, use lighter balls if necessary

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for miss passes, measuring distances for optimal spacing, timing sequences and counting patterns

Science

Understanding force and trajectory in passing, body mechanics during movement, reaction times and decision-making

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, reading patterns and formations, understanding direction and movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership development, managing pressure and making decisions, building resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities for optimal view of all students, position closer during new skill introduction

Observation Focus

Watch for miss pass timing, communication quality, tactical decision-making, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in to coach individuals struggling with technique, address safety concerns immediately, provide tactical tips during game phases

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate miss pass technique from multiple angles, emphasise timing and decision-making, use student helpers to show team patterns

Verbal Cues

•'Miss the first player!'
•'Call your target's name!'
•'Read the defender!'
•'Pass before the tag!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rugby balls for proper inflation and no damage
•Ensure tag belts fit securely without being too tight
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during rapid movement
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or head
•Over-aggressive tagging technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and movement patterns established
•Adequate spacing maintained between activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled contact and safe tagging
•Regular safety reminders throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity game situations closely
•Be prepared to intervene if play becomes too aggressive
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed