Lesson 2 - Accurate Passing and Catching
Advanced Tag Rugby Tactics and Team Play
•Year 6
•Tag Rugby
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How can we use accurate passing and catching to maintain possession and create opportunities in tag rugby?
Learning Objectives
- To throw accurately with proper technique using swing pass method
- To catch a tag rugby ball with control under increasing pressure
- To move into space effectively to support team play
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate swing pass technique
- Students will catch consistently with hands out to meet the ball
- Students will show tactical awareness in creating and using space
Equipment & Resources Required
Various colours for different activities and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spot markers, or small obstacles
Size 3 or 4 rugby balls appropriate for Year 6
Alternative: Oval foam balls, American football balls for practice
Clear colour distinction between teams
Alternative: Coloured bibs, pinnies, or wristbands
Key Vocabulary
A passing technique where arms move like a pendulum to transfer the ball accurately
The lengthwise edges of the rugby ball where fingers should grip
Extending hands towards the incoming ball before pulling into body
Moving to an area away from defenders to receive a pass or draw opposition
Hand position where thumbs nearly touch behind ball forming a W with fingers
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from previous lessons
- Understanding of personal and general space
- Basic knowledge of rugby ball shape and characteristics
Current Skills
- Swing pass technique with proper body positioning
- Catching technique with hands meeting the ball
- Movement into space to support team play
- Tactical understanding of passing games
Next Steps
- Introducing tag rugby gameplay with proper rules
- Developing attacking and defending strategies
- Advanced passing techniques under game pressure
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Rugby ball grip must be on long sides with fingers spread in W formation
- Swing pass requires straight arms moving like a pendulum from shoulders
- Catching technique involves hands out to meet ball then securing to body
- Body position should be sideways to target for optimal passing angle
- No movement allowed when holding ball in game situations
- Minimum three passes required before attempting to score
- Team communication and spatial awareness crucial for game success
Common Misconceptions
- Students often grip ball by pointed ends instead of long sides - correct immediately with demonstration
- Many try to throw overhand like other balls - emphasise unique swing pass technique
- Tendency to wait for ball to come to them rather than hands out to meet - practice active catching
- In games, students often move with ball - reinforce stationary rule clearly
- Rushing passes under pressure loses accuracy - emphasise technique maintenance over speed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear breaks, specific roles and responsibilities in games, movement breaks built into discussions, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter balls initially, extra practice time for grip technique, simplified catching technique, reduced pressure in game situations
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available during games, predictable activity transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured rugby balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness, clear audible calls for direction changes
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards available, hand signals for game rules, clear sight lines to teacher
physical disability
- Seated passing variations, lighter balls for easier handling, modified distances for individual needs, alternative roles in team games
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances between passing lines, calculating success rates and improvement percentages
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, aerodynamics of oval vs spherical objects, physics of pendulum motion in swing pass
Geography
Directional awareness, spatial concepts, mapping movement patterns around playing areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when skills are challenging, communication in team activities, respect for others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can see all groups, move between activities to provide individual feedback, position yourself at corner of area for maximum visibility during games
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip technique, swing pass development, catching with hands out, safe play during tagging activities
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggling with technique, when safety rules not being followed, or when games becoming too competitive
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at game speed, exaggerate key points for visibility, use students as positive examples when possible
Verbal Cues
- •'W shape hands!'
- •'Straight arms like a pendulum!'
- •'Hands out to meet the ball!'
- •'Pass and move!'
- •'Three passes minimum!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, additional 7m x 7m marked areas for small group games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running and stopping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Rugby balls appropriate size (3 or 4) for Year 6 students
- •Cones placed securely with no sharp edges or trip hazards
- •Team bands fitted properly without loose ends
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running activities
- •Ball strikes from poor passing technique
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between groups and activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to moving
- •Emphasis on controlled movements and gentle contact
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor ball tag activities for appropriate contact levels
- •Watch for technique breakdown that might cause injury
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, resume only when safe