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Big Question

How can we use different types of passes to outsmart defenders and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

  • To know and demonstrate different ways of passing the ball to a partner (high/low/pop)
  • To create an effective target position to receive the ball
  • To apply passing skills whilst following rules in a conditioned game

Key Outcomes

  • Students will be able to execute at least three different types of rugby passes with increasing accuracy
  • Students will demonstrate effective body positioning and communication when receiving passes
  • Students will apply passing techniques in game situations whilst adhering to tag rugby rules including offside

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls
15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around perimeter of grid area, inflated to correct pressure for Year 8 (check firmness)

Alternative: Size 4 rugby balls for smaller hands, foam rugby balls for students with grip difficulties

Cones
40-50 assorted colours

Used to mark grid boundaries (10m x 10m grids), end zones, and starting positions for relay activities

Alternative: Marker spots, dome cones for lower trip hazard

Tag Belts
30 (1 per student)

Check velcro fastening is secure, two tags per belt positioned on hips

Alternative: Bib tucked in waistband if tag belts unavailable

Tags
60 (2 per student)

Attached to belts before lesson, spares available for replacements

Alternative: Different coloured tags to identify teams

Coloured Bibs
20 (2 different colours)

For team identification in game application phase

Alternative: None required if students have different coloured PE kit

Whistles
1

For clear start/stop signals and safety control

Alternative: Loud voice command if whistle unavailable

Stopwatch
1

For timing competitive relay tasks and managing activity durations

Alternative: Smartphone timer, visible clock

Key Vocabulary

Pop pass

A short, quick pass delivered at chest height over a very short distance, often used in contact situations

High pass

A pass delivered above chest height, used to pass over defenders or to receivers who are positioned higher

Low pass

A pass delivered below waist height, often used to avoid interception or when receiver is lower down

Accuracy

The precise delivery of the ball to the intended target, hitting the receiver in their target zone

Eye contact

Visual communication between passer and receiver to signal readiness and intended direction

Offside

Illegal positioning where a defender is within 2 metres of the tagged player before the pass is made

W-shape grip

Hand positioning on the ball where fingers and thumbs create a W shape for maximum control

Rock the baby

The swinging motion of bringing the ball from the hip across the body when passing

Target

The position and body shape a receiver creates to give the passer a clear aiming point

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling skills from Lesson 1
  • Understanding of 'put down, pick up' technique from previous week
  • Awareness of backward passing rule in rugby
  • Basic spatial awareness and movement in grids

Current Skills

  • Different passing techniques: pop pass, high pass, low pass
  • Hand positioning: W-shape grip and control hand technique
  • Creating effective targets for receiving
  • Passing accuracy whilst moving
  • Application of passing in conditioned game situations
  • Understanding and applying offside rule

Next Steps

  • Advanced passing techniques including miss passes and switch plays
  • Evasion techniques combined with passing
  • More complex game scenarios with increased defensive pressure
  • Set plays and structured attacking movements

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent backward passes with spin on the ball
2
Appropriate pass selection based on game situation
3
Effective communication and eye contact with receivers
4
Maintaining possession through accurate passing under pressure
5
Demonstrating spatial awareness and support play

Key Teaching Points

  • W-shape hand position is fundamental to ball control and spin generation - emphasise and reinforce throughout
  • Eye contact between passer and receiver is essential for successful passes - non-negotiable communication requirement
  • All passes must travel backwards or laterally, never forward - core rugby law to be consistently reinforced
  • Spin on the ball should rotate backward toward the passer's body, not away - creates easiest catch for receiver
  • Support positioning is crucial - receivers must create angles and options for ball carriers through smart positioning
  • Offside rule (2-metre retreat after tag) is for safety and fairness - explain rationale, don't just impose rule
  • Quality over speed in skill development - accurate technique beats fast sloppy passing every time
  • Progression should be gradual - static to walking to jogging to running to defensive pressure - don't rush stages
  • Verbal communication is as important as technical skill - encourage constant talking during games
  • Differentiation must be genuine and flexible - adapt continuously based on what you observe, not just pre-planned
  • Positive reinforcement drives engagement - celebrate effort, improvement, and smart decision-making not just outcomes

Common Misconceptions

  • Misconception: 'The harder I throw, the better the pass' - Correction: Accuracy and technique are more important than power; controlled passes with good spin are more catchable than hard wild passes
  • Misconception: 'I should pass to the person nearest to me' - Correction: Pass to the person in the best position (space, angle, support line) even if they're not nearest
  • Misconception: 'In tag rugby I can't be tagged if I run really fast' - Correction: Speed helps but positioning, support, and passing are more important than individual speed
  • Misconception: 'The offside rule doesn't really matter in practice' - Correction: The rule prevents dangerous play (defenders colliding with tagged players) and ensures fairness - essential to follow
  • Misconception: 'I only need to pass when someone is chasing me' - Correction: Passing before pressure arrives creates better opportunities and maintains possession more effectively
  • Misconception: 'High passes and low passes are just fancy versions - pop pass is enough' - Correction: Different pass types solve different game situations; high passes clear defenders, low passes avoid interceptions
  • Misconception: 'If I make a mistake I should stop and apologise' - Correction: In rugby, recover quickly and keep playing - resilience and persistence matter more than perfection
  • Misconception: 'The W-shape hand position is just for beginners' - Correction: Even international rugby players use W-shape grip - it's fundamental at all levels, not a beginner technique to grow out of

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Short varied activities maintaining engagement (maximum 3 minutes per variation), clear physical boundaries marked with cones (visual structure), regular movement breaks built into lesson (already high activity), immediate positive feedback for on-task behaviour, simple one-step instructions initially building to multi-step, active roles not waiting/watching (minimised sitting out), hands-on kinaesthetic learning emphasised, competitive elements to harness energy positively, clear expectations restated regularly, option to be equipment monitor/leader providing additional responsibility, close proximity supervision, frequent check-ins
dyspraxia
  • Larger equipment for easier handling (size 5 ball instead of 4, or foam ball), reduced movement complexity (walk before jog, static before moving), extra practice time for motor skill development, breaking down skills into smaller steps, clear visual demonstrations repeated multiple times, simplified passing technique initially (two-hand push pass before spiral pass), multi-sensory learning (verbal, visual, kinaesthetic), reduced playing area size to limit spatial demands, partner support for activities, predictable movement patterns (straight lines before diagonal), celebrate effort and improvement not just outcome, allow additional processing time for instructions
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedule showing lesson structure (displayed on board with images), consistent routine and predictable transitions, advance warning of changes ('In 2 minutes we will move to the next activity'), quiet zone available if sensory overload occurs, reduced sensory input options (smaller groups, quieter environment), clear explicit instructions (avoid figurative language like 'rock the baby' without explanation), visual prompt cards for activities, consistent language and terminology, minimal surprises (explain unusual events in advance), option to observe before participating, structured roles in games reducing unpredictability
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured rugby balls with high contrast (yellow/orange balls work well), verbal descriptions of all demonstrations ('I'm placing my hands in W-shape on the ball, fingers spread wide'), buddy system with sighted partner for spatial navigation, auditory cues for when to pass (whistle, voice command), reduce playing area size to minimise distance vision requirements, high-visibility cones for boundaries (yellow, orange), consistent positioning of equipment, tactile guidance for hand positioning on ball, audio description of game situations
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations emphasised (exaggerated clear movements), British Sign Language support if appropriate, written instructions on display board or cards, hand signals for instructions (thumbs up for go, flat hand for stop, pointing for direction), visual timer for timed activities, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip-reading, buddy system for communicating verbal instructions, position near front for demonstrations, visual cue cards showing seven teaching points, vibrating alert for stop signals if available
physical disability
  • Adapted passing from seated position (wheelchair users or those who cannot stand), lighter or larger balls for easier grip (size 3 rugby ball or soft foam ball), modified distances (closer targets, smaller playing areas), alternative passing methods (underarm pass, chest pass) if overarm difficult, walking-only rule for all if running impossible, additional time for movements, use of ramps or adapted equipment if available, peer support for ball retrieval, modified tag rugby (touch instead of tag, or bean bag placement instead), celebration of individual achievements relative to own baseline

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex multi-step instructions, using and understanding technical vocabulary (pop pass, offside, diagonal), verbal communication during games, explaining rules and techniques to others, active listening during demonstrations and instructions, descriptive language during reflection (articulating what they learned)

Maths

Counting successful passes in competitive task, timing activities in seconds/minutes, measuring 2-metre offside distance, calculating penalty time additions (2 seconds per drop), spatial awareness and geometry (diagonal lines, angles of passing), data handling (recording competitive task scores across multiple attempts), comparing and ordering (highest score, fastest time)

Science

Forces acting on rugby ball during passing (push force from hands, gravity, air resistance affecting flight), friction between hands and ball affecting grip and control, body systems during exercise (cardiovascular system - heart rate increase during warm-up and decrease during cool-down, respiratory system - breathing rate changes), muscles used in passing action (biceps, triceps, core muscles, shoulder muscles), trajectory and projectile motion of passes, Newton's third law (action-reaction when passing ball)

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness (left, right, forward, backward, diagonal), mapping movement patterns across playing area, understanding relative positioning (2 metres behind, diagonally ahead), creating and maintaining spatial formations (diagonal lines, triangle formations)

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation throughout lesson, communication skills (verbal and non-verbal), resilience when facing challenges or making errors, managing emotions during competitive activities, honesty and integrity (self-policing forward passes, honest self-assessment), leadership opportunities (demonstrating, coaching peers, organising equipment), respect for others (following rules, supporting teammates, fair play), growth mindset (seeing errors as learning opportunities, persistence through difficulty)

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of playing area for maximum visibility during warm-up and skill development, circulate between grids during small group work, position at edge of game area where all grids visible during game application, move to front for demonstrations and cool-down reflection

Observation Focus

Watch for correct W-shape grip and hand positioning during passing practice, monitor spin quality on ball (should spin backward toward passer), check diagonal spacing during movement activities, observe offside compliance during games (defenders retreating 2 metres), assess communication through eye contact and verbal calls, monitor effort and engagement levels throughout, identify students requiring additional support or extension challenges, note safety concerns (heads down, collision risks, aggressive play)

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if safety risk identified (aggressive tagging, potential collision, dangerous play), intervene when fundamental technique breaking down (loss of W-shape, forward passing, no spin), provide coaching when students appear stuck or frustrated, redirect activities if engagement dropping, adjust difficulty if task too easy or too hard for group, clarify rules if confusion evident during games, mediate conflicts between students promptly, modify activities for students struggling significantly

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all new techniques slowly first then at game speed, use student volunteers for demonstrations where possible (builds confidence and shows peer achievement), show both correct and incorrect versions for contrast (exaggerate errors for clarity), break down complex skills into component parts (seven teaching points taught sequentially), use verbal commentary during demonstrations ('Watch my hands... see the W-shape... now the rock motion...'), position all students where they can see clearly (semi-circle formation), repeat demonstrations for different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic), invite questions after demonstrations to check understanding

Verbal Cues
  • 'W-shape hands!' - reminder during passing
  • 'Rock the baby!' - cue for passing motion
  • 'Spin toward you!' - reminder for wrist flick direction
  • 'Eyes up!' - spatial awareness reminder
  • 'Eye contact!' - communication reminder
  • 'Backwards!' - reminder of passing direction
  • 'Two metres!' - offside rule reminder
  • 'Hands up - create a target!' - receiving reminder
  • 'Call for it!' - encourage verbal communication
  • 'Freeze!' - immediate stop for safety or teaching point

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or full sports hall indoors, clear of obstacles, adequate boundary marking, sufficient space for multiple grids with 3-5m separation

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards (holes, debris, wet patches), suitable for dynamic movement and safe for seated stretches, grass or sports hall floor appropriate

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Rugby balls inflated to correct pressure for Year 8 (check firmness - not rock hard, not soft)
  • Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges - replace damaged ones
  • Tag belts velcro functioning correctly - secure fastening essential
  • Tags attached firmly - check before lesson start
  • Sufficient spare tags available for replacements during lesson
  • Equipment storage area clear of playing space to prevent collisions

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between students during dynamic activities (especially simultaneous two-line passing and game application)
  • Trips from cones or equipment if poorly positioned
  • Ball strikes to face or body from wayward passes
  • Muscle strains from inadequate warm-up or overstretching
  • Tagging too aggressively (should be gentle tag removal not pulling)
  • Slips and falls during changes of direction at speed
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established and communicated before each activity
  • Adequate spacing between grids and activities (minimum 3-5 metres)
  • Progressive skill building from static to walking to jogging to running
  • Comprehensive warm-up including dynamic stretches
  • Explicit instruction on safe tagging technique (gentle two-handed tag removal)
  • Heads up awareness emphasised throughout - students watching for others
  • Teacher positioning for maximum visibility of all activities
  • Clear STOP signal established and practiced
  • Modified activities for students with specific health needs
  • Regular equipment checks and hazard scans
  • Appropriate student-to-space ratio maintained
  • Weather considerations for outdoor sessions (lightning, extreme heat/cold)

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position at corner or edge for visibility of all students and activities
  • Circulate during activities to provide close supervision and coaching
  • Monitor high-activity areas (game zones) more intensively
  • Watch for fatigue signs - excessive breathlessness, students sitting out, reduced effort
  • Be vigilant during simultaneous activities where collision risk higher
  • Position near equipment collection area during transitions
  • Scan for emotional distress or conflicts between students
  • Monitor compliance with safety instructions (heads up, controlled movement)
Emergency Procedures

Immediate STOP command using whistle and loud voice, assess situation quickly, appropriate first aid response for minor injuries (ice, rest, elevation), send responsible student to fetch additional adult support if needed for serious injuries, rest of class moved to safe area under control if emergency requires extended attention, accident report completed according to school policy, parent/carer contacted for any injuries beyond minor bumps/scrapes