Passing & Decision-Making
•Year 8
•Tag Rugby
•Check inflation is correct (should feel firm but not rock hard), distribute around activity areas
Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands, foam rugby balls for confidence building
Check velcro is functioning properly, ensure tags are securely attached, have spares available
Alternative: Bandanas or fabric strips tucked into waistbands if belts unavailable
Mark clearly with cones at corners for warm-up activity, ensure adequate spacing between squares
Alternative: Use cones to create square boundaries, or use existing court markings
Use to mark try lines, boundaries, retreat lines (5m from play the ball), and activity zones
Alternative: Markers, domes, or spots
Clearly distinguish teams during game application
Alternative: Coloured bands or team identifiers
Position to capture game play for analysis, ensure safeguarding policies followed
Alternative: Tablet or smartphone on tripod
Use to diagram passing patterns and tactical concepts
Alternative: Laminated tactical boards
Passing the ball beyond the nearest teammate to a player further along the line, creating space and stretching the defence
An attacking formation where players position themselves at different depths (some forward, some back) rather than in a straight line
A method of restarting play where the ball carrier taps the ball with their foot and then picks it up to pass or run
After being tagged, placing the ball on the ground and rolling it backwards through your legs with your foot
The player positioned directly behind the tagged player who picks up the ball after it's played and distributes it to teammates
Illegal positioning where a defender is ahead of the ball or not between the ball and their own try line, preventing them from participating in play
When attacking players run across each other's paths to confuse defenders and create space
A deceptive movement or fake pass designed to mislead defenders about your true intentions
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Technical vocabulary development and usage, clear verbal communication during game play, listening skills when receiving instructions and feedback, articulating tactical understanding during plenary, giving and receiving constructive peer feedback
Counting tags in sequences (up to 5), calculating distances (3-metre, 5-metre retreat lines), angles of running lines and passing trajectories, measurement of playing area dimensions, tracking scores and differences, time management (monitoring seconds for play the ball)
Understanding forces applied during passing (push, direction, trajectory), friction between feet and playing surface affecting grip and movement, impact of air resistance on ball flight, cardiovascular system response to exercise (increased heart rate, breathing rate), muscle groups used in different rugby movements, energy transfer from player to ball during passing
Strategic planning in team huddles, problem-solving to overcome defensive challenges, evaluating effectiveness of different tactics, adapting plans based on game situations
Spatial awareness and navigation within playing area, use of directional language (forward, backward, left, right, diagonal), understanding of positioning relative to fixed points (try lines, halfway line), mapping movement patterns, concept of territory in invasion games
Teamwork and cooperation during group activities, communication skills including active listening, managing emotions in competitive situations (resilience, handling disappointment), leadership opportunities, respect for opponents and officials, understanding of fair play and sporting values, building confidence through skill mastery, inclusivity and supporting others regardless of ability
During game play: position on sideline with ability to move up and down following action, maintaining view of all 10 players; during multi-group drills: position centrally to observe all groups with frequent circulation; during demonstrations: ensure all students have clear sightlines with shorter students at front; avoid positioning with sun in students' eyes (if outdoors)
Technical: watch for correct passing technique (hands pointing at target, follow through), accurate backwards passing, proper play the ball execution (controlled foot roll), timing of passes in moving drills; Tactical: observe decision-making (when to pass vs. run), spatial awareness (using width, creating space), offside positioning awareness, effectiveness of dummy moves; Safety: monitor for physical contact beyond tag grabbing, tag belt security, surface hazards, signs of overexertion or distress; Social: note communication quality, encouragement behaviours, sporting conduct, inclusion of all students
Intervene immediately if: any physical contact beyond tag grabbing occurs; students are offside and gaining unfair advantage; forward passes are made; safety concerns arise (loose equipment, surface hazards); students show distress, injury or overexertion; arguments or unsporting behaviour develop; rules are being consistently misunderstood by individuals or groups. Pause play using whistle and 'Freeze!' call, address issue with whole group or individual, demonstrate correct behaviour/technique if needed, resume play promptly
Always demonstrate at slow speed first, then full speed to show both technique and application; use student volunteers for demonstrations to increase engagement and show that skills are achievable; provide commentary while demonstrating: 'Watch my hands point at the target... see the follow through... notice the weight transfer'; exaggerate key movements to ensure visibility (e.g., large shoulder turn for dummy move); demonstrate common errors as well as correct technique to aid understanding; position demonstrators so all students have clear view (consider sun position outdoors); after demonstration, check understanding with quick question: 'What did you notice about my hands/feet/body position?'
Minimum 30m x 40m clear playing area for game application; additional space for warm-up squares (5 areas of 5m x 5m each); total space requirement approximately 40m x 50m; indoor sports hall or outdoor grass/artificial surface suitable
Surface must be dry, even and clear of any debris, stones, or obstacles; check for any wet patches, uneven ground or holes that could cause slipping or twisting injuries; outdoor surfaces: ensure grass is not too long or muddy; indoor surfaces: check for adequate grip (no dust or moisture)
In case of injury: Blow whistle immediately to stop all activity; assess injured student quickly (conscious, breathing, mobility); apply appropriate first aid following school protocols; send responsible student to summon additional help if needed (named first aider, SLT); keep other students calm, occupied and supervised by moving them away from incident; complete accident report form following incident; contact parents/guardians as per school policy; do not move student if serious injury suspected (head, neck, back) unless in immediate danger
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.