Developing Passing Skills

Year Level

Year 8

Duration

61 minutes

Class Size

20 students

Curriculum Alignment: NSW PDHPE Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8)

• Movement Skill and Performance: Develop and refine specialised movement skills in different physical contexts.
• Movement Concepts and Strategies: Implement strategic thinking during physical activity situations.
• Personal and Social Capability: Work collaboratively in a range of roles and adapt to changing situations.
• Health, Wellbeing and Physical Activity: Understand the importance of regular physical activity for health and performance.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate foundational rugby passing techniques, including hand placement and body positioning.
2. Execute accurate short-range passes under varying spatial constraints.
3. Apply passing skills in small-sided games, demonstrating teamwork and strategy.
4. Develop spatial awareness and decision-making through progressive game activities.
5. Exhibit safe play behaviour and respect for others during physical activities.

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Equipment Required

• Rugby balls (one per pair)
• Cones to mark activity spaces (small rectangles for drills)
• Whistle
• Bibs/pinnies to differentiate teams

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Lesson Structure and Timing

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Activity: Bull Rush

• Select 2 students to be "chasers."
• The remaining students line up on one baseline.
• On the whistle, the chasers attempt to tag players as they run across the space.
• Tagged students become taggers.
• Aim: Develop agility, spatial awareness, and warm up major muscle groups.

Safety Considerations: Stress safe tagging and controlled movements to avoid collisions.

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2. Activity 1 – Passing Basics (15 minutes)

Setup:

• Students form pairs.
• Each pair has one ball.

Task:

• Pairs pass the ball back and forth.
• Focus: Look down the arms towards partner before passing.
• Every 5 successful catches, pairs take a step back to increase passing distance.

Teaching Points:

• Hand Placement: One hand cradles the ball, the other guides.
• Hands Position When Receiving: Up in a 'W' shape to catch the ball securely.
• Passing Technique: Extend arms toward the target while passing; no flicking wrist only.
• Body Position: Face partner, feet shoulder-width apart, balanced.

Progression:

• Encourage correct technique over speed.
• Emphasise communication: calling for the ball and eye contact.

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3. Activity 2 – Passing Under Pressure (Mid-Level Drill) (12 minutes)

Setup:

• Mark a rectangular space roughly 10x5 metres.
• Form groups of 5 students.

Task:

• A modified 3v2 keeping drill where 3 attackers try to maintain possession passing to each other, while 2 defenders attempt to intercept.
• Encourage quick, accurate passing without rushing.

Teaching Points:

• Encourage players to keep hands ready to receive ( ‘W’ formation).
• Move into space after passing.
• Communicate and support teammates.
• Recognise pressure and make safe passes.

Progression:

• Rotate roles to ensure everyone experiences attacking and defending.
• Focus on teamwork, positioning and supporting runs.

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4. Activity 3 – Small-sided Game: 2v3 Attack vs Defence Drill (18 minutes)

Setup:

• Use the same rectangle or slightly larger space.
• Mix students into attacking and defending teams for 2v3.
• Rotate through developmental variations: 1v2, 3v4, 2v5 to gradually increase difficulty.

Task:

• The attacking side tries to complete passes and score by entering the end zone.
• Defenders try to intercept or force errors.
• Emphasise safe contact and rules of rugby passing.

Teaching Points:

• Use space effectively.
• Support the ball carrier.
• Quick decision-making under pressure.
• Maintain correct passing technique.

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5. Cool Down and Reflection (6 minutes)

Activity:

• Gentle jogging followed by stretching focusing on shoulders, arms and legs.
• Circle discussion for students to share:
• What passing skills improved?
• How did teamwork help in the drills?
• Strategies used to keep possession.

Teacher’s Role:

• Provide positive feedback.
• Highlight effort and teamwork.
• Reinforce safe playing behaviours.

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Assessment Strategies

• Observational Assessment during activities: Monitor passing technique accuracy, communication, and collaboration.
• Peer Feedback during small-sided games to reinforce learning.
• Self-reflection questions during cool down to engage metacognitive skills related to skill application.

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Differentiation

• For less confident students: Allow closer passing and encourage proper hand placement.
• For advanced students: Challenge with longer passes and faster decision drills or varying attack-defence ratios.
• Use peer coaching to build confidence and encourage teamwork.

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Safety and Inclusivity Notes

• Stress rules to avoid contact outside of passing.
• Modify space and distances as necessary for students with varied physical capabilities.
• Ensure hydration breaks are available.

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This practical lesson plan applies the NSW PDHPE outcomes for Stage 4 by developing fundamental movement and passing skills in rugby within a supportive and strategic game environment. It balances technical skills with social and personal capabilities in line with the syllabus expectations for Year 8 students.