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Lesson 3 - Forward Pass & Offside Rules

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 understanding and applying tag rugby rules make our team play more effectively and fairly?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply the 'forward pass' rule consistently in game situations
To understand and apply the 'offside' rule when defending and attacking
To make tactical decisions that comply with tag rugby rules while maintaining possession

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct application of forward pass and offside rules during game play
Students will show improved tactical awareness when supporting ball carriers within the rules
Students will officiate their own games by identifying rule infringements

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

Check balls are correctly inflated and suitable for outdoor use

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs if rugby balls unavailable

Cones

Use bright colours for clear area definition

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or natural boundaries

Team bibs

30 (2 colours)

Ensure clear team identification for rule application practice

Alternative: Coloured bibs or t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Forward Pass

An illegal pass where the ball travels towards the opponent's try line

Offside

Defending players positioned behind the ball carrier after a tag is made

Onside

Legal defensive position in front of or level with the ball carrier

Try Line

The line players must cross to score points in tag rugby

Ball Carrier

The player currently holding the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching skills
Understanding of tagging technique
Basic game awareness and teamwork

Current Skills

Applying forward pass rule in game situations
Understanding offside positioning for defenders
Supporting ball carrier within rule framework

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play within rule structure
Quick decision-making under pressure
Leadership and officiating skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistently passes backwards/sideways without prompting

Automatically moves to onside position after making a tag

Helps teammates understand rule applications

Key Teaching Points

Forward passes travel toward the try line and are illegal in tag rugby
Defenders must be onside (in front of ball carrier) after making a tag
Body position and timing are crucial for accurate backward passing
Supporting the ball carrier requires positioning behind or level with them
Rules create fairness and flow in the game
Communication and teamwork are essential for rule compliance
Safety through controlled play and gentle tagging technique

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking sideways passes are forward passes - clarify that sideways is legal
Confusion about which direction is 'forward' - always refer to try line direction
Believing all defenders must retreat after any contact - only after tags are made
Thinking faster play means rules don't apply - emphasis rules are always in effect
Assuming positioning doesn't matter - demonstrate how positioning affects game flow

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts with regular breaks, provide clear structure and expectations, allow for movement during discussions

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter balls initially, break down complex movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice time for skills

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual rule charts, maintain consistent routines, offer quiet spaces if overwhelmed, use social stories for rule understanding

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of positioning, partner with sighted buddy for activities

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for rule infractions, written rule summaries on display, ensure face-to-face communication for instructions

physical disability

Adapt passing to seated positions if needed, modify tagging to touch rules, adjust distances and speeds as appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during games, following complex instructions, explaining rules to others, vocabulary development

Maths

Understanding angles and directions for passing, counting passes in game situations, measuring playing areas

Science

Forces and motion in passing techniques, momentum and acceleration in running patterns, physics of ball flight

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of relative positions and directions, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Fair play and rule acceptance, teamwork and cooperation, leadership and responsibility, conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corners of teaching area for maximum visibility, move around during activities to provide close support

Observation Focus

Watch for rule understanding, safety in tagging, accurate passing, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students show confusion about rules, unsafe play develops, or individuals become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for rule demonstrations. Always show correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Pass backwards or sideways only!'
•'Defender, get onside quickly!'
•'Support your ball carrier!'
•'Gentle tags only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 30m outdoor area, dry and level surface preferred

Surface Check

Inspect for holes, wet patches, debris, and ensure boundary markers are secure

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rugby balls are correctly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify team bands/bibs are not torn and fastenings are secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced activities
•Slips on wet surfaces
•Aggressive tagging causing injury
•Ball strikes to face or head

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate space between groups
•Emphasise gentle tagging technique throughout
•Progressive skill building from walking to jogging to game speed
•Constant supervision of competitive activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all groups during activities
•Monitor intensity levels and provide rest breaks as needed
•Watch for signs of overexertion or unsafe play

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention required