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Lesson 1 - Pop & Pocket Pass Basics

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 do different passing techniques help us maintain possession and create scoring opportunities in tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

To develop correct technique for pop pass and pocket pass
To understand when to use different passing techniques in game situations
To demonstrate safe and effective tagging technique

Key Outcomes

Students will execute pop passes and pocket passes with correct technique
Students will apply appropriate passing technique based on game context
Students will demonstrate safe tagging and ball retrieval skills
Students will work effectively in attacking and defending situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Distributed around activity areas, spare balls at each station

Alternative: Size 3 or 4 rugby balls, foam rugby balls for differentiation

Tag Belts

1 set per student (30 sets)

Different coloured sets for team identification

Alternative: Coloured scarves or strips if belts unavailable

Dish Cones

12 cones in different colours

6 cones for perimeter, 6 for central activities

Alternative: Sports markers or chalk lines

Mats

6 floor spots

Placed 4m from activity lines for games

Alternative: Small hoops or marked areas

Key Vocabulary

Pop Pass

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

Pocket Pass

A longer pass from the hip area using arms as levers with side-on stance

Tag

Safely removing an opponent's tag to stop their forward progress

Try

Scoring by applying downward pressure with the ball behind the try line

Ball Spine

The seam running lengthways along the rugby ball where fingers should grip

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and carrying techniques
Understanding of team games and fair play
Basic spatial awareness and movement skills

Current Skills

Pop pass technique with correct hand positioning
Pocket pass execution with side-on stance
Safe tagging technique and ball retrieval
Decision making in attack and defence

Next Steps

Advanced passing under pressure situations
Tactical awareness in team formations
Game management and leadership skills
Complex attacking and defending strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent successful passes in practice situations

Appropriate technique selection during games

Safe and effective tagging in competitive situations

Clear communication and tactical awareness

Key Teaching Points

Ball carrying technique: fingers and thumbs on seam, not in palms
Pop pass: hands underneath ball, gentle upward push to teammate
Pocket pass: side-on stance, ball from hip, arms as levers
Safe tagging: below shoulder height, clean removal of tags
Game awareness: watch opponents' hips, not feet when defending
Teamwork: clear communication and supporting teammates
Try scoring: downward pressure with ball, proper placement

Common Misconceptions

Thinking pop passes should be thrown high like a basketball shot - they should be gentle upward pushes
Believing pocket passes can be thrown facing forward - side-on stance is essential for power and accuracy
Assuming tags can be grabbed anywhere - only safe removal below shoulders prevents injury
Watching feet when defending - hips show true direction better than feet which can be deceptive
Carrying ball in palms for security - fingertip control actually provides better handling

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, reduce complexity of movements initially, extra demonstration and practice time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if needed, prepare for changes in advance

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Modify passing distances, allow seated participation where appropriate, use lighter balls, adapt tagging rules

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during games, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development

Science

Forces involved in passing, trajectory and air resistance on ball flight, biomechanics of body movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction and positioning, mapping movement patterns around the area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions in competitive situations, leadership and supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct passing technique, safe tagging, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play observed, technique needs correction, or disputes arise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Fingers and thumbs, not palms!'
•'Side-on for pocket pass!'
•'Watch their hips, not their feet!'
•'Safe tags below shoulder height!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large indoor hall

Surface Check

Level surface free from holes, wet patches, or loose objects

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rugby balls are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure tag belts are in good condition with secure fastenings
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Unsafe tagging above shoulder height
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and communicated
•Emphasis on controlled movement in group activities
•Specific teaching of safe tagging technique
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Adequate spacing between groups during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during activities
•Monitor tagging technique carefully
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety
•Be alert during competitive game situations

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed