Lesson 3 - Passing Accurately and Dummy Passes
Advanced Tag Rugby Tactics and Strategic Play
•Year 6
•Tag Rugby
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How can we use deception and accurate passing to maintain possession and create attacking opportunities in tag rugby?
Learning Objectives
- To pass a rugby ball backwards consistently with accuracy
- To perform and apply dummy passes effectively in game situations
- To understand defensive positioning and the importance of closing space
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent backward passing while moving
- Students will execute dummy passes to deceive defenders
- Students will apply passing skills effectively in competitive game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity areas for easy access
Alternative: Soft rugby balls, foam rugby balls for safety
Pre-sorted into team colours, spare tags available
Alternative: Coloured bibs with velcro strips, flag football belts
Mark court areas, boundaries, and starting positions
Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries
Different colour from tags for clear team identification
Alternative: Coloured pinnies, team bands
Key Vocabulary
Passing the rugby ball towards your own goal line, which is the only legal direction in rugby
A deceptive movement where a player pretends to pass but retains possession
When a player accidentally drops or hits the ball forward towards the opponent's goal line
An illegal pass thrown towards the opponent's goal line
Defenders moving towards attackers to reduce their options and time
Allowing play to continue after an infringement if the non-offending team gains benefit
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic rugby ball handling skills
- Understanding of backward passing rule
- Basic tagging and defensive positioning
Current Skills
- Accurate passing while moving
- Dummy pass technique and application
- Defensive spacing and positioning
Next Steps
- Advanced attacking patterns and set plays
- Complex defensive strategies
- Game leadership and tactical decision-making
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Rugby balls can only be passed backwards - emphasise this throughout
- Dummy passes must look convincing to be effective
- Defenders should close space gradually, not rush in
- Communication is key for successful team play
- Apply advantage rule to keep games flowing
- Support players must stay behind the ball carrier
- Safety in tagging - control contact and call clearly
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you can pass forwards like in other sports - reinforce backward passing rule
- Believing dummy passes should be obvious - teach subtlety and deception
- Rushing at defenders without control - emphasise composed approach
- Focusing only on individual skills rather than team play
- Confusing knock-ons with deliberate forward passes - clarify the difference
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, frequent positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Slower pace introduction, larger targets for passing, extra practice time with support
autism spectrum
- Clear routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and tags, verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key instructions, written rule cards
physical disability
- Modified tagging using gentle touch, wheelchair-adapted boundaries, alternative roles as referee
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of passing, distances between players, scoring calculations
Science
Forces and motion in ball passing, physics of deception in dummy passes
Geography
Spatial awareness, field positioning, directional movement
PSHE
Teamwork, resilience under pressure, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for visibility of all groups, central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for passing accuracy, dummy pass technique, defensive positioning, and safe play
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, skill correction, or rule clarification
Demonstration Notes
Use students to help demonstrate whenever possible, exaggerate key movements for visibility
Verbal Cues
- •'Pass backwards, run forwards!'
- •'Sell that dummy pass!'
- •'Close the space, defenders!'
- •'Support your teammate!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m court area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and changing direction
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure tag belts are secure but not too tight
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running and passing
- •Incorrect tagging technique causing injury
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and safe zones established
- •Proper tagging technique taught and monitored
- •Progressive skill building to develop control
- •Adequate spacing between groups
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all activity areas
- •Monitor tagging contact levels
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified