Passing & Decision-Making
•Year 8
•Tag Rugby
•Distribute balls at the start of each activity phase, stored in cones at area edges
Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands, foam rugby balls for less confident students
Pre-checked for velcro function, distributed during registration, students fit their own
Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands if tag belts unavailable
6 bibs scrunched for warm-up activity, remaining bibs sorted by colour for games
Alternative: Coloured bands or markers to distinguish teams
Mark playing area boundaries, 5m retreat lines, try lines, halfway line, skill practice zones
Alternative: Spot markers, line markings if on marked pitch
Set up on sideline to capture game play for analysis or assessment evidence
Alternative: Mobile phone on tripod, students recording each other
Attached to teacher, extra whistles for extension students officiating small-sided games
Alternative: Voice commands if whistle unavailable
A pass that deliberately skips one or more players in the line to create space or exploit defensive gaps
The action of placing the ball on the ground and passing it backwards through your legs with your foot after being tagged
The speed and force of an attacking movement that keeps pressure on the defence
To act as a referee, making decisions about rules and managing the game fairly
Allowing play to continue after an infringement if the non-offending team benefits from continuing
An attacking formation where players position themselves at different depths to create passing angles
A method of restarting play where the ball is tapped with the foot and then passed or carried
After a tag, defenders must move back 5 metres to give attackers space to play the ball
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Oracy skills through communication during games, giving and receiving instructions, explaining tactical decisions, key vocabulary development (miss pass, momentum, officiate, advantage), discussing and evaluating performance
Counting tags in sequences (1-5), measuring distances for 5m retreat and pitch dimensions, calculating time for play the ball (elapsed seconds), geometry of passing angles in staggered lines, statistics - success rates of miss passes versus normal passes
Forces and motion in passing the ball, friction between ball and ground when playing the ball, muscular-skeletal system during running and passing, cardiovascular response to exercise (heart rate changes warm-up to cool-down), momentum and how quick ball recycling maintains it
Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, leadership and supporting others, resilience when learning challenging skills, fair play and sportsmanship, self-assessment and honest reflection, managing competitive emotions appropriately
During warm-up: corner position for full visibility. During skills: move between groups providing close coaching. During games: central position between two pitches with ability to see both.
Watch for: miss pass accuracy and communication, play the ball technique and speed (target: under 3 seconds), defensive retreat compliance (full 5m), application of skills in game context, teamwork and communication.
Step in immediately for: safety concerns, persistent rule violations, equipment malfunctions, students in distress or excluded, declining technique suggesting fatigue, over-competitive behaviour risking safety.
Use students to demonstrate wherever possible - this builds confidence and provides authentic peer models. Demonstrate: Break complex skills into components first (e.g., play the ball: place, step, roll). Exaggerate key movements for visibility. Show common errors as well as correct technique so students recognise both.
Minimum 40m x 30m total space for warm-up and two game pitches. Indoor sports hall or outdoor grass/artificial pitch suitable.
Dry, even surface free from hazards including loose equipment, wet patches, holes or uneven areas. For outdoor: check for debris, stones, or glass.
Stop all activity immediately with loud whistle and 'FREEZE' command. Assess situation and provide appropriate first aid or call for support. All students move to designated safe area away from injured student. Complete accident report form if required. Contact emergency services if serious injury.
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