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Lesson 4 - Passes & Tap Penalty Skills

Advanced Tag Rugby Tactics and Strategic Play

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can I use tactical passing and penalty skills to create attacking opportunities in Tag Rugby?

Learning Objectives

To pass missing out players in a line effectively
To execute a tap penalty with a dummy half
To understand and apply the offside rule in Tag Rugby

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical passing by missing out players in line formations
Students will execute tap penalties with dummy moves and appropriate timing
Students will show understanding of offside rule and work effectively in attack and defence

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

10-12

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Foam rugby balls for easier handling

Tag Belts

30 (1 per student)

Each student wears belt with 2 tags

Alternative: Ribbon tags or touch rugby variation

Cones

20-25

6 matching colour pairs for warm-up, boundaries for games

Alternative: Markers or sports spots

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

For team identification during games

Alternative: Team bands or pinnards

Key Vocabulary

Pop pass

A pass where hands go under the ball and pop it upwards for teammates to catch

Missing out

Passing the ball past one or more players to a teammate further down the line

Tap penalty

Restarting play by touching the ball with the foot before passing

Dummy half

Player positioned behind the ball who receives and distributes to running teammates

Play the ball

After being tagged, rolling ball backwards through legs with foot

Offside

Being on the wrong side of the ball, between ball and opposition try line

Dummy move

Fake movement or pass to deceive opponents

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic pop passing technique
Simple tap penalty execution
Understanding of basic Tag Rugby rules

Current Skills

Tactical passing missing out players
Advanced tap penalty with dummy half
Offside rule application in game situations

Next Steps

Complex attacking moves with multiple phases
Advanced defensive patterns and positioning
Leadership roles in organising team tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy when passing missing out players

Effective use of dummy moves in tap penalties

Clear understanding and application of offside rule

Key Teaching Points

Offside rule: players must be on their team's side of the ball to participate in play
Missing out players creates space and tactical advantages in attack
Dummy moves and deception are key to effective tap penalty execution
5-metre retreat after tags maintains fair play and creates space
Communication and teamwork are essential for successful tactical play
Safety is paramount during cross runs and high-intensity game play
Self-reflection and honest assessment support learning and improvement

Common Misconceptions

Thinking offside only applies when the ball is passed (it applies whenever a player is run past)
Believing missing out players is always better (sometimes direct passing is more effective)
Assuming dummy moves must be elaborate (simple feints are often more effective)
Thinking tags must be grabbed forcefully (gentle tag removal is safer and sufficient)
Believing all players must retreat after a tag (only defending team retreats 5 metres)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, regular position changes, clear visual boundaries, immediate feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, reduced complexity in initial stages, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine established, visual schedule of lesson segments, quiet zone available for breaks, consistent language used

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tags and balls, verbal descriptions of positioning, partner system for guidance and support

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for common instructions, written rule summaries available

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified tagging using touch, adapted distances and timing requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting attempts to score (up to 5), measuring 5-metre retreat distances, calculating success rates in passing accuracy

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball flight, momentum and direction changes in cross runs, body systems response to exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning concepts, understanding of field geography and tactical zones, direction and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, leadership development through dummy half role, resilience when learning complex rules, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skill practice, central position for game play with clear view of all students

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, skill application under pressure, and rule compliance during games

Intervention Points

Step in if offside rule is consistently misunderstood, if skills break down under pressure, or if unsafe play occurs

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for offside positioning, emphasise safety in all contact situations, model positive communication throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Get onside before joining play!'
•'Dummy half - disguise your intentions!'
•'Miss out players to create space!'
•'Retreat 5 metres after the tag!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full court area minimum 40m x 20m for game play, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Non-slip surface checked for wet patches, debris, or uneven areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts properly secured with working velcro
•Rugby balls inflated to correct pressure
•Cones placed safely away from running lines

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during crossing runs and game play
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Tag belt injuries if worn incorrectly

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safety zones established
•Controlled introduction of cross runs with safety emphasis
•Regular checks of tag belt security and condition
•Progressive skill building before full game application

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all game areas
•Monitor cross runs for collision risks
•Watch for correct tagging technique
•Ensure 5-metre retreat compliance

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, apply first aid if trained, seek additional support if needed