Developing Passing Skills

Curriculum Area and Level

• National Curriculum for Physical Education (PE) – Key Stage 3 (England, UK)
• Focus: Outwitting opponents through refined passing and catching skills in Touch Rugby.
• Learning Aim: Pupils will develop accuracy and control in passing and catching techniques, understanding their application in a game scenario.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate different types of rugby passes (lateral pass, spin pass) with accuracy.
2. Catch the ball consistently under pressure and in motion.
3. Understand the importance of communication and positioning while passing.
4. Apply passing and catching skills in small-sided game play.

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Lesson Structure (60 Minutes)

1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)

Objective: To improve hand-eye coordination and activate muscle groups used in passing and catching.

1.1 Dynamic Stretches (5 Minutes)

• Jog around the pitch (2 minutes)
• High knees, butt kicks, side lunges
• Arm circles and torso twists

1.2 Reaction Passing (5 Minutes)

• In pairs, students stand 2m apart.
• One partner calls a command (e.g., “high”, “low”, “left”) while throwing the ball.
• The other partner must react and catch the pass correctly.

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2. Passing & Catching Drills (25 Minutes)

Objective: To refine different types of passes under varying conditions.

2.1 Station Passing Carousel (15 Minutes)

• Students rotate between three stations in groups of 5.

1. Station 1: Spin Pass Accuracy
   • Pairs pass with a spin technique aiming at a hoop/target.
2. Station 2: Moving Catch Drill
   • One student walks forward while catching a pass from a stationary teammate.
   • Progress to jogging, then sprinting.
3. Station 3: Under Pressure Passing
   • 3v1 drill where three students pass quickly to keep the ball away from one defender.

2.2 Fast Hands Drill (10 Minutes)

• Setup: Groups of six in a straight line.
• Task: The ball must be passed down the line as quickly as possible without dropping it.
• Progression:
  • Add one defender who attempts to intercept passes.
  • Reduce the space for passing.

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3. Small-Sided Games (20 Minutes)

Objective: To apply passing and catching skills in a game scenario.

3.1 4 vs 4 Touch Rugby Game (15 Minutes)

• Game Rules:
  • Teams must complete at least three passes before scoring.
  • If the ball is dropped, possession changes.
  • Players must communicate and move into effective supporting positions.

3.2 Reflection & Discussion (5 Minutes)

• What worked well in the passing drills?
• What were the biggest challenges?
• How did communication help during the game?

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Assessment Criteria

• Basic (Emerging): Can complete passes under no pressure.
• Secure (Developing): Can pass and catch accurately while moving.
• Advanced (Mastery): Can perform quick, game-speed passing under defensive pressure.

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Equipment Required

✔ Rugby balls (size 4)
✔ Cones to mark zones
✔ Hoops for accuracy drills
✔ Whistle

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Teacher Tips

✅ Use peer feedback—students can analyse technique and suggest improvements.
✅ Encourage quick decision-making to simulate real-game conditions.
✅ Highlight spatial awareness—players should move into passing lanes.

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Next Lesson Preview

Next week, students will focus on attacking strategies—including decision-making and creating space effectively in Touch Rugby.