🏉

Lesson 3 - Passing Backwards and Dummy Passes

Technical to Tactical

•

Year 5

•

Tag Rugby

•

Big Question

How can we use backwards passes and dummy passes to outsmart defenders in rugby?

Learning Objectives

To pass a rugby ball backwards consistently with accuracy
To execute dummy passes effectively to deceive defenders
To understand and apply key rugby rules including knock-ons and forward passes

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent backwards passing whilst moving
Students will use dummy passes strategically in game situations
Students will apply passing skills effectively under defensive pressure

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

1 per 2 students (15 balls for class of 30)

Pre-positioned around activity areas

Alternative: Foam rugby balls for beginners, size 3 rugby balls

Tag Belts

1 belt and 2 tags per student (30 sets)

Students wear throughout main session and game

Alternative: Fabric belts with velcro tags

Cones

20 cones

Mark boundaries and passing lanes

Alternative: Markers, discs, or training spots

Bibs

15 bibs (for game teams)

Distinguish teams during game session

Alternative: Different coloured clothing or bands

Measuring Tapes

Ensure accurate 2m and 3m spacing

Alternative: Pre-marked field lines

Key Vocabulary

Backwards Pass

Passing the ball towards your own try line, away from the opponent's try line

Dummy Pass

A deceptive movement that looks like a pass but the ball is retained

Knock-on

When a player drops the ball and it moves forward towards the opponent's try line

Forward Pass

Illegally throwing the ball towards the opponent's try line

Advantage

Allowing play to continue after an infringement if the non-offending team benefits

Tag

The velcro strip attached to a belt that defenders try to remove

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Understanding of teamwork in games
Simple passing between stationary partners

Current Skills

Backwards passing whilst moving
Dummy pass technique
Defensive positioning and tagging

Next Steps

Advanced rugby tactics and set plays
Offloading in contact situations
Strategic game play and team formations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent backwards passing without forward passes

Effective use of dummy passes to create space

Understanding of advantage rule application

Key Teaching Points

In rugby, the ball must always be passed backwards towards your own try line
Dummy passes require convincing body movement and secure ball retention
Ball carrier should run slightly ahead of supporting players for effective angles
Defenders must close space safely and set themselves before attempting tags
Advantage rule allows play to continue when non-offending team benefits
Communication and teamwork are essential for successful rugby play
Safety in tagging is paramount - pull tags, don't pull players

Common Misconceptions

Thinking 'backwards pass' means running backwards - players run forward, ball goes back
Believing dummy passes should be subtle - they need to be convincing and obvious to work
Assuming advantage means play always continues - it only applies when the non-offending team benefits
Thinking knock-ons only happen when dropping - includes any forward ball movement from hands
Believing tag rugby has the same contact rules as full rugby - it's a non-contact variant

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries, give frequent positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment initially, reduce activity complexity, provide extra practice time and step-by-step instruction

autism spectrum

Maintain clear routine structure, provide visual schedule of activities, offer quiet break areas if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for direction, implement buddy system for guidance during activities

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, implement hand signals for play instructions, provide written game rules reference

physical disability

Offer seated passing versions, use larger/lighter balls as needed, modify distances and provide stationary positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles and direction when passing backwards, measuring distances for spacing, calculating try scores and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, friction between different surfaces, body systems during exercise and recovery

Geography

Directions and compass points, spatial awareness and field positioning, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, respect for rules and opponents, building resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activity areas to observe all students, position at corner during games for maximum court visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for backwards passing accuracy, dummy pass technique, safe tagging methods, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe tagging occurs, forward passes become frequent, or students become frustrated with skills

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for dummy passes, show clear ball trajectory for backwards passing, emphasise safety in all contact situations

Verbal Cues

•'Ball goes backwards, players go forwards!'
•'Sell that dummy - make it look real!'
•'Get close before you decide to pass or dummy!'
•'Defender, close that space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m area, preferably marked rugby/football pitch or large sports hall

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running with direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rugby balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure tag belts fit securely without being too tight
•Verify tags are properly attached to belts
•Cones positioned to avoid collision hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running and passing activities
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Unsafe tagging techniques causing injury
•Ball strikes from inaccurate passes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and running lanes established
•Emphasise controlled pace initially before building speed
•Teach and reinforce safe tagging technique throughout
•Adequate spacing between activities and groups
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during game play
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety and technique
•Ensure proper tag replacement procedures

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if necessary