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Lesson 2 - Accurate Passing and Catching

Advanced Tag Rugby Tactics and Team Play

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

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

Cones

Various colours for different activities and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spot markers, or small obstacles

Rugby Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Size 3 or 4 rugby balls appropriate for Year 6

Alternative: Oval foam balls, American football balls for practice

Team bibs

16 (2 sets of different colours)

Clear colour distinction between teams

Alternative: Coloured bibs, pinnies, or wristbands

Key Vocabulary

Swing pass

A passing technique where arms move like a pendulum to transfer the ball accurately

Long sides

The lengthwise edges of the rugby ball where fingers should grip

Hands out to meet

Extending hands towards the incoming ball before pulling into body

Creating space

Moving to an area away from defenders to receive a pass or draw opposition

W shape hands

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

Consistent ball grip on long sides without prompting

Fluid swing pass motion without stopping

Anticipation of ball flight for effective catching

Tactical movement to create passing options

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