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Lesson 1 - Pop & Pocket Passes

Technical to Tactical

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Year 5

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we use different passing techniques to create attacking opportunities whilst staying safe in tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

To develop pop passing and pocket passing techniques with correct ball handling
To understand when to use different passing techniques in game situations
To demonstrate safe tagging technique and understand try scoring rules

Key Outcomes

Students will perform pop passes and pocket passes with improved accuracy
Students will make tactical decisions about which pass to use
Students will tag safely and understand what constitutes a valid try

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

1 per pair (15 balls)

Various sizes available for differentiation

Alternative: Foam rugby balls, oval-shaped balls

Tag Belts

1 per student (30 belts)

Different colours for team identification

Alternative: Flags, strips of fabric

Cones

12 cones

6 for outer circle, 6 for central area marking

Alternative: Markers, spot markers

Sun Markers

6 spots

For marking try scoring areas and positions

Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Pop pass

A short pass where hands go under the ball and the ball is popped upwards for a teammate to catch

Pocket pass

A longer pass thrown from beside the hip (pocket) using arms as levers

Try

A score achieved by applying downward pressure on the ball in the opponent's try area

Tag

Safely removing an opponent's tag belt or flag to stop their attack

Ball spine

The long axis of the rugby ball that should be gripped with thumbs and fingers

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from previous invasion games
Understanding of space and movement
Experience of working in teams

Current Skills

Correct rugby ball grip and carrying technique
Pop passing and pocket passing fundamentals
Safe tagging technique
Basic attacking and defending principles

Next Steps

Advanced passing under pressure
More complex attacking patterns
Defensive positioning and communication
Small-sided game tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-handed ball carrying

Accurate passes to moving targets

Safe and effective tagging

Good decision-making in 1v1 situations

Key Teaching Points

Rugby ball must be held in fingers and thumbs, not palms, with two hands at all times
Pop pass uses upward flicking motion for short distances, pocket pass uses lever action for longer passes
Safe tagging involves pulling tags only, never pushing or grabbing the player
A try must be scored with downward pressure on the ball, not just dropped
Defenders should watch opponents' hips for true direction, not eyes which can deceive
Ball pickup requires getting alongside the ball and scooping from the side with both hands
Good passing requires side-on stance, targeting the receiver's hands, and following through

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder passes are better - accuracy and timing matter more than power
Believing they should hold the ball in their palms for security - this reduces control
Assuming they can tag by pushing or grabbing - only tag removal is safe and legal
Thinking a try is scored by just reaching the line - downward pressure is essential
Believing they should watch opponents' eyes - hips show true movement intention
Assuming faster is always better - control and technique must come before speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, focused activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, reduced complexity in movement patterns, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual sequence cards, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key commands, written instruction cards

physical disability

Modify passing distances, allow seated participation where appropriate, adapted tagging methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for passing accuracy, calculating speeds during running, counting successful passes in sequences

Science

Understanding forces in passing actions, momentum and direction changes, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and orientation on field, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions, building resilience through challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activity area perimeter for visibility, enter groups for individual coaching

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique development, safe play, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe tagging, correct technique errors early, manage group dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all skills clearly, use students as positive examples, exaggerate key points for visibility

Verbal Cues

•'Fingers and thumbs on the ball!'
•'Pop it up gently!'
•'Watch their hips, not their eyes!'
•'Safe tagging only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles with run-off areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and changing direction

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rugby balls are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure tag belts are secure but easily removable
•Cones positioned safely away from activity areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during warm-up crossing patterns
•Unsafe tagging leading to pushing or pulling players
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Ball strikes during passing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and pathways established from start
•Progressive speed building in warm-up
•Emphasis on safe tagging technique throughout
•Adequate spacing between groups and activities
•Controlled ball speed in passing practices

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity crossing areas during warm-up
•Circulate during partner work to ensure safety
•Watch closely during game application for contact

Emergency Procedures

Stop, assess, appropriate first aid/support, clear pathways for emergency access