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Lesson 2 - Pressure Passing & Movement

Advanced Tag Rugby Tactics and Strategic Play

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

How can we maintain accurate passing technique when under pressure and on the move?

Learning Objectives

To send and receive a ball accurately on the run and under pressure
To demonstrate effective passing technique from both left and right pockets
To apply tactical decision-making in dynamic game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will pass accurately whilst moving at speed
Students will adapt their body position for left and right passing
Students will communicate effectively during game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs for smaller hands

Tag Belts

30 (1 per student)

Different colours for team identification

Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, coloured bands

Dish Cones

Various sizes for different activities

Alternative: Spots, jumpers, any visible markers

Stopwatch

For timing activities and rest periods

Alternative: Phone timer, class timer

Key Vocabulary

Pocket passing

Passing the ball from either side pocket position (left or right) with correct body positioning

Hand rolling

Rotating hands when catching high or low balls to maintain secure grip

W shape

Target hand position for receiving passes with thumbs together forming a W

Under pressure

Performing skills whilst being challenged by opponents or time constraints

Dynamic movement

Moving at varying speeds and directions whilst maintaining ball control

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching technique
Understanding of tag rugby rules
Experience with static passing drills

Current Skills

Passing under pressure
Dynamic movement with ball
Pocket passing technique
Hand rolling for catches

Next Steps

Advanced tactical passing in game situations
Complex passing combinations
Leadership roles in team play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in 80% of passes under pressure

Smooth transition between left and right pocket passing

Effective communication during dynamic play

Key Teaching Points

Pocket passing technique requires proper body positioning and arm extension
Hand rolling is essential for securing catches at different heights
Communication and decision-making improve performance under pressure
Technique must be maintained even when activities become more challenging
Positive peer feedback enhances learning for all students

Common Misconceptions

Thinking pocket passes are the same as normal passes - body position is crucial
Believing hand rolling is optional - it's essential for consistent catching
Assuming faster movement always equals better performance - control is key
Thinking individual skill is more important than team communication
Believing mistakes mean failure - they're part of the learning process

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks built in, positive reinforcement frequent

dyspraxia

Larger balls initially, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time, clear step-by-step breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual activity schedule, quiet zones available, predictable activity progression

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for movement

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, use of hand signals for communication

physical disability

Seated passing version available, adapted distances, modified equipment as needed, focus on achievable challenges

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes, measuring distances for cone placement, calculating success rates and team scores

Science

Forces in passing (levers), reaction time in decision-making, momentum in running movements

Geography

Spatial awareness, directional language (left/right), mapping movement patterns around area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and honest self-assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all groups, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for technique maintenance under pressure, effective communication, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if technique deteriorates significantly, unsafe play occurs, or students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for contrast, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Pocket to target!'
•'Step and follow through!'
•'W shape hands!'
•'Roll those hands!'
•'Quick decisions!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for warm-up, additional space for game activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Rugby balls properly inflated and checked for damage
•Tag belts secure and in good condition
•Cones positioned safely away from collision zones

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tag games
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Ball strikes during passing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced
•Adequate spacing between groups during activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled movement over maximum speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during tag games
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, appropriate first aid response, complete accident report if required