Lesson 1 - Pop & Pocket Passes
Technical to Tactical
•Year 5
•Tag Rugby
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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
Various sizes available for differentiation
Alternative: Foam rugby balls, oval-shaped balls
Different colours for team identification
Alternative: Flags, strips of fabric
6 for outer circle, 6 for central area marking
Alternative: Markers, spot markers
For marking try scoring areas and positions
Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks
Key Vocabulary
A short pass where hands go under the ball and the ball is popped upwards for a teammate to catch
A longer pass thrown from beside the hip (pocket) using arms as levers
A score achieved by applying downward pressure on the ball in the opponent's try area
Safely removing an opponent's tag belt or flag to stop their attack
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
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