Tag Rugby - Lesson 2

The second lesson in a series for Year 5 students on Tag Rugby focuses on enhancing their ability to pass and receive passes while moving at speed. The learning objectives for this lesson are clear: students are expected to be able to pass and catch a rugby ball effectively, call for a pass when appropriate, and signal to the passer by opening their hands to provide a clear target. The success of the lesson is measured by these criteria. Essential vocabulary such as 'pass', 'catch', 'forward', and 'backwards' is introduced, and equipment required includes a class set of belts and tags, rugby balls, and cones. The warm-up activity, 'Pass The Ball', involves pupils in a dynamic exercise where they practice passing skills and running through cone gates, with the option to extend the challenge by using their weaker side or side-stepping through gates at speed.

During the main part of the lesson, which lasts for 30 minutes, pupils work in pairs to practice passing the ball to each other in both directions and participate in a circle game that involves passing and catching with one pupil in the middle directing the play. A key game of 3v2 is played to practice passing skills and positioning within small pitches, with the number of attackers varying to increase confidence and skill. Extensions to the main activity encourage more complex passing strategies, such as requiring a certain number of passes before scoring a try. Communication and the rule against forward passing are emphasized as key teaching points. The cool-down activity involves pupils in pairs performing a 'Random walk' and passing the ball on command, with extensions for more complex passing between larger groups. Pupil talk prompts encourage reflection on how tactics change when facing different numbers of defenders.