Lesson 1 - Pass And Move Skills
Mastering Attack & Defence
•Year 6
•Tag Rugby
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How can we combine passing and moving to create unstoppable attacking opportunities in tag rugby?
Learning Objectives
- To consolidate students' ability to use passing and moving to create attacking opportunities
- To apply the offside rule consistently in game situations
- To develop effective team attacking tactics through communication and support play
Key Outcomes
- Students will pass and move accurately to create successful attacks
- Students will support the ball carrier effectively and receive passes at speed
- Students will apply refined understanding of tactics to score tries against opposition
Equipment & Resources Required
Ensure balls are properly inflated and ready for immediate use
Alternative: Size 3 rugby balls or oval foam balls for easier handling
Check all tags are securely attached and easily removable
Alternative: Coloured ribbons or scarves attached to shorts
Use bright colours for clear visibility and quick setup
Alternative: Markers, spots or improvised boundary markers
Distribute before activity to distinguish teams clearly
Alternative: House colours or temporary team identifiers
Key Vocabulary
When an attacking player is ahead of the ball carrier and cannot participate in play
Players positioning themselves to help the ball carrier by being available for passes
Areas of the pitch where there are fewer defenders to exploit
The line at the end of the pitch where tries are scored
The player currently in possession of the ball
Removing a tag belt or ribbon from an opponent to stop their progress
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic passing and catching skills from Year 5
- Understanding of try scoring and basic rules
- Experience of 5v5 tag rugby games
- Basic understanding of running forwards with ball
Current Skills
- Consolidating passing and moving combinations
- Creating attacking opportunities through space recognition
- Supporting ball carrier effectively
- Applying offside rule consistently
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical awareness in defence
- Complex multi-phase attacking patterns
- Leadership roles in competitive situations
- Referee and coaching roles
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Pass and follow - continuous movement after passing maintains attacking momentum
- Support players must stay behind ball carrier to avoid offside
- Use full width of playing area to stretch defence and create opportunities
- Communication is essential - call for passes and organise team movements
- Quick ball placement after being tagged maintains attacking pressure
- Timing of passes is crucial - pass just before contact to maintain possession
- Create multiple passing options to confuse defenders and maintain attacking flow
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you can pass forward - remind students passes must go backwards or level
- Believing support players can run ahead of ball carrier - reinforce offside rule
- Assuming individual brilliance wins games - emphasise teamwork and support
- Thinking tags can be pulled aggressively - teach safe, controlled tagging technique
- Believing you must pass immediately when receiving ball - teach decision making skills
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular activity changes, clear boundaries and rules, positive reinforcement for focus and participation
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns initially, additional practice time, use of larger equipment for easier handling
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of space and positioning, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapted games with seated or reduced mobility options, modified equipment, alternative roles such as coaching
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating angles for effective passing, measuring distances for tactical positioning, counting phases of play
Science
Understanding forces in ball flight, body positioning for balance and stability, effects of exercise on body
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, understanding directions and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, communication and leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between different game areas to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for accurate passing technique, effective support play, and correct application of offside rule
Intervention Points
Step in when rules are misunderstood, technique breaks down, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use students to demonstrate successful techniques, show positioning clearly, emphasise key teaching points
Verbal Cues
- •'Pass and follow!'
- •'Use the width!'
- •'Stay behind your teammate!'
- •'Look before you pass!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m clear space, preferably larger for multiple games
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all tag belts are secure but not too tight
- •Ensure rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones positioned clearly but not creating trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during fast-paced games
- •Slips and falls when changing direction quickly
- •Tag belt injuries if pulled too forcefully
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and enforced throughout
- •Adequate spacing between multiple games
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Emphasis on controlled contact only
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all games simultaneously when possible
- •Monitor high-activity areas for appropriate contact levels
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety and technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed