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Lesson 3 - Passing Accurately and Dummy Passes

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 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

Rugby Balls

1 per 4 students (minimum 8 balls)

Distributed around activity areas for easy access

Alternative: Soft rugby balls, foam rugby balls for safety

Tag Belts

2 per student (60 tags, 30 belts)

Pre-sorted into team colours, spare tags available

Alternative: Coloured bibs with velcro strips, flag football belts

Cones

20-25 cones

Mark court areas, boundaries, and starting positions

Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries

Bibs

15 (one colour for team identification)

Different colour from tags for clear team identification

Alternative: Coloured pinnies, team bands

Key Vocabulary

Backward pass

Passing the rugby ball towards your own goal line, which is the only legal direction in rugby

Dummy pass

A deceptive movement where a player pretends to pass but retains possession

Knock-on

When a player accidentally drops or hits the ball forward towards the opponent's goal line

Forward pass

An illegal pass thrown towards the opponent's goal line

Closing space

Defenders moving towards attackers to reduce their options and time

Advantage

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

Consistent backward passing under pressure

Effective use of dummy passes in game situations

Strong defensive positioning and communication

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