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Lesson 1 - Pass And Move Skills

Mastering Attack & Defence

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

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

Rugby Balls

6-8 balls

Ensure balls are properly inflated and ready for immediate use

Alternative: Size 3 rugby balls or oval foam balls for easier handling

Tag Belts

30 belts (2 per student)

Check all tags are securely attached and easily removable

Alternative: Coloured ribbons or scarves attached to shorts

Cones

20-25 cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility and quick setup

Alternative: Markers, spots or improvised boundary markers

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (2 colours)

Distribute before activity to distinguish teams clearly

Alternative: House colours or temporary team identifiers

Key Vocabulary

Offside

When an attacking player is ahead of the ball carrier and cannot participate in play

Support play

Players positioning themselves to help the ball carrier by being available for passes

Attacking space

Areas of the pitch where there are fewer defenders to exploit

Try line

The line at the end of the pitch where tries are scored

Ball carrier

The player currently in possession of the ball

Tag

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

Consistent accurate passing under pressure

Effective space creation and exploitation

Quick decision making in attacking situations

Understanding and application of offside rule

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