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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.