Touch Rugby Basics

Overview

This 30-minute active lesson introduces Year 8 students at Maeroa Intermediate to the fundamentals of touch rugby, focusing on core rules, ball-handling skills, and teamwork. Activities are designed to accommodate a mixed-ability class with students who have ADHD and ASD, emphasising active learning, outdoor engagement, and supportive scaffolding as recommended by the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh.

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT: Understand the basic rules and terminology of touch rugby, including the difference between touch and tackle and the scoring system.
• WALT: Demonstrate fundamental ball-handling skills, such as passing and catching.
• WALT: Work collaboratively in teams to apply skills and rules in game situations.

Aligned curriculum strand:
Health and Physical Education – Movement Concepts & Motor Skills

• Achievement Objective: Develop and apply movement skills and concepts in a variety of physical activities, including game play and team-based sports.
• Competencies: Participating and Contributing, Managing Self, Relating to Others.

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Success Criteria

Students will be successful when they can:

• Accurately explain and demonstrate the basic rules of touch rugby.
• Confidently pass and catch the rugby ball using correct technique.
• Participate cooperatively in small-sided games, demonstrating teamwork and respect for others.

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Lesson Plan

1. Introduction & Warm-up – 5 minutes (Outdoor)

• Activity: Circle warm-up with dynamic stretches (e.g., jogging, high knees, arm circles).
• Briefly explain key rules: no tackling, touch replaces a tackle, 6 touches for turnover, scoring a try by grounding the ball over the try line, and the importance of teamwork.
• Use simple visual aids (large posters or flashcards with key terms and pictures) for dyslexia-friendly support.

Differentiation: Provide step-by-step oral instructions reinforced with visuals; use peer support for students with ASD.

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2. Skill Development – 10 minutes (Outdoor)

• Activity 1: Partner Passing Drill
  Pairs practice flat, two-hand passes over short distances, focusing on grip and accuracy.

• Activity 2: Catching Drill
  Students toss ball gently to each other increasing distance as confidence grows; emphasise soft hands and tracking the ball.

Differentiation: Provide tactile cues for ball handling (e.g., textured balls) for sensory learners; advanced pairs can practice quick passes on the run.

Extension: Challenge advanced learners to practice lateral backward passes and communication calls.

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3. Small-Sided Games – 10 minutes (Outdoor)

• Divide class into teams of 4-5 players.
• Set up mini-fields with clear boundaries.
• Play controlled touch rugby games where students apply passing, catching, and the concept of touch instead of tackle.
• Rotate teams to ensure equal participation.

Differentiation: Specific roles for students less comfortable with playing freely (e.g., designated receivers, taggers). Include sensory breaks or alternative roles for students needing them to manage sensory input.

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4. Cool Down & Reflection – 5 minutes (Outdoor)

• Gentle walking and stretching circle.

• Group discussion prompted by questions:

  • What new skills did you learn today?
  • How does teamwork help in touch rugby?
  • How can we improve in the next lesson?

• Allow verbal and visual sharing, supporting language development and self-expression.

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Assessment

• Informal observations during drills and games noting student participation, skill progress, and application of rules.
• Use peer and self-assessment reflective questions during cool-down to encourage metacognition.
• Provide immediate positive feedback emphasizing effort and improvements.

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Differentiation & Inclusive Strategies

• Use clear, concise instructions supported by visuals for learners with dyslexia or processing difficulties.
• Incorporate multi-sensory learning: verbal explanation, physical demonstration, and tactile experiences.
• Flexible grouping to allow peer support and scaffolded learning.
• Sensory-friendly equipment and space to accommodate ADHD and ASD learners.
• Provide structured routines to reduce anxiety and support attention.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Introduce tactical concepts: positioning, creating space.
• Practice set plays like quick taps and passing sequences.
• Challenge leaders to explain the rules and referee mini-games, building leadership and communication skills.

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Context and Curriculum Links

• Encourages active participation and well-being, fulfilling NZ Curriculum emphasis on physical education as a key aspect of health and physical development.
• Builds communication and participation competencies supporting social skills vital for inclusive learning environments.
• Outdoor learning supports engagement especially for diverse learners requiring movement and sensory integration.

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I trust this detailed and curriculum-aligned lesson plan will inspire and empower teachers at Maeroa Intermediate to confidently deliver an engaging and inclusive introduction to touch rugby for their Year 8 students.

If you want, I can prepare accompanying teacher notes or student handouts formatted for dyslexia-friendly reading as part of this unit.