Lesson 1 - Pop & Pocket Pass Basics
Advanced Tag Rugby Tactics and Strategic Play
•Year 6
•Tag Rugby
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Distributed around activity areas, spare balls at each station
Alternative: Size 3 or 4 rugby balls, foam rugby balls for differentiation
Different coloured sets for team identification
Alternative: Coloured scarves or strips if belts unavailable
6 cones for perimeter, 6 for central activities
Alternative: Sports markers or chalk lines
Placed 4m from activity lines for games
Alternative: Small hoops or marked areas
Key Vocabulary
A short pass where hands go under the ball and the ball is pushed upwards for a teammate to catch
A longer pass from the hip area using arms as levers with side-on stance
Safely removing an opponent's tag to stop their forward progress
Scoring by applying downward pressure with the ball behind the try line
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
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