Lesson 1 - Refining Passing & Moving
Team Coordination
•Year 5
•Tag Rugby
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How can we combine passing and moving to break through defences and score tries?
Learning Objectives
- To refine passing and moving skills to create attacking opportunities
- To understand and apply tactical awareness in tag rugby situations
- To demonstrate effective communication and support play in attack
Key Outcomes
- Students will combine passing and moving with improved accuracy and timing
- Students will create and exploit space to score tries against organised defence
- Students will apply offside rules and tactical understanding in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all tags are securely attached before activity starts
Alternative: Bib tucked into waistband, short pieces of fabric
Check balls are properly inflated and safe for use
Alternative: Oval-shaped foam balls, size 3 rugby balls for smaller hands
Set up 6 vertical zones across playing area before lesson
Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines on playground
One colour for each team in games
Alternative: Wristbands, different coloured tags
Key Vocabulary
Being in front of the ball carrier when your team has possession, which is against the rules
Moving into positions to help the ball carrier by being available for a pass
Moving the ball towards areas where there are fewer defenders
Passing the ball just before being tagged to maintain possession
Defensive system where each defender is responsible for a specific area
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic tag rugby rules and gameplay from Year 4
- Fundamental passing and catching skills
- Understanding of basic attacking and defending roles
Current Skills
- Refined passing under pressure
- Strategic movement to create and exploit space
- Advanced tactical awareness including offside rules
Next Steps
- Complex attacking patterns and set plays
- Advanced defensive strategies and counter-attacks
- Leadership roles in organising team attacks
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Quality passing technique is more important than speed - step towards target
- Support players must be actively moving to offer passing options
- Attacking space means moving the ball away from defenders, not running at them
- Offside rule helps create fair game - attackers must stay level with or behind ball carrier
- Quick ball release after being tagged maintains possession and attacking momentum
- Communication between teammates is essential for successful attacks
- Zone system teaches tactical awareness - find where defenders aren't!
Common Misconceptions
- Students think running fast with the ball is always best - emphasise smart passing instead
- Belief that offside doesn't matter in tag rugby - clearly explain and enforce rule
- Assumption that defenders can't move between zones - clarify movement rules
- Thinking that individual skill is more important than team tactics
- Misconception that you must pass immediately when tagged - emphasise timing of offloads
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, specific roles and responsibilities, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified movements initially, larger balls for easier handling, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet area available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and tags, clear verbal descriptions of zone boundaries, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for game management, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Modified rules allowing seated play, adapted tag removal method, shorter running distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Understanding forces in passing technique, body systems during exercise and recovery
Geography
Directional language and spatial concepts in game positioning
PSHE
Teamwork, resilience when attacks don't work, leadership during team discussions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all playing areas, rotate between groups during activities
Observation Focus
Pass accuracy, movement patterns, tactical understanding, safe play
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe play occurs, support struggling students, extend challenges for advanced learners
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, involve students in showing good examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Quick hands!'
- •'Find the space!'
- •'Support your teammate!'
- •'One defender per zone!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m playing area per group, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts for secure fastenings and no sharp edges
- •Inspect rugby balls for proper inflation and no damage
- •Ensure cones are visible and stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during fast-paced games
- •Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
- •Inappropriate tagging technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and zones established with cones
- •Emphasis on controlled tagging technique throughout
- •Regular reminders about spatial awareness
- •Appropriate game intensity for age group
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all playing areas simultaneously
- •Monitor tagging technique and game intensity
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear route to school office