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Lesson 1 - Refining Passing & Moving

Team Coordination

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Year 5

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Tag Rugby

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50 min

Big Question

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

Tag Belts

1 per student (30 sets)

Check all tags are securely attached before activity starts

Alternative: Bib tucked into waistband, short pieces of fabric

Rugby Balls

4-6 balls

Check balls are properly inflated and safe for use

Alternative: Oval-shaped foam balls, size 3 rugby balls for smaller hands

Cones

Set up 6 vertical zones across playing area before lesson

Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines on playground

Bibs

2 different colours (15 each)

One colour for each team in games

Alternative: Wristbands, different coloured tags

Key Vocabulary

Offside

Being in front of the ball carrier when your team has possession, which is against the rules

Support play

Moving into positions to help the ball carrier by being available for a pass

Attacking space

Moving the ball towards areas where there are fewer defenders

Offload

Passing the ball just before being tagged to maintain possession

Zonal defence

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

Consistently accurate passing while moving at speed

Creates multiple attacking opportunities per game

Demonstrates clear understanding of tactical positioning

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