Passing and receiving
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can pass and receive at pace.
Key learning points
- Move: when spin passing, the outside hand grips towards the back of the ball to produce spin by pulling up on the ball.
- Move: running straight with the ball draws a defender, creating space for a teammate to attack.
- Think: only long passes should utilise spin as it is faster to pass and easier to catch a short pass without spin.
- Feel: self-awareness of the catching skills of others helps improve overall success rates.
- Connect: making eye contact and signalling where you want the ball passed, helps reduce handling errors.
Keywords
Lateral pass - a pass that goes perpendicular to the try line and hence is not forward but is very flat for a player to run on to
Spin pass - applying rotation to the ball to help it travel faster and further mostly used by backline players (spiral or torpedo pass)
Line runner - a player who runs a well-timed, deliberate run to receive a pass and break through the defensive line
Common misconception
Spin passes are always better to use.
Short or soft pop passes can be more effective for quick, controlled distribution, especially in close quarters or wet conditions where accuracy and catchability matter more than speed.
Teacher tip
Notice any students struggling to spin pass accurately and break down the stages of the pass to simplify it. Emphasis that it is the outside hand that applies spin by pulling up the outside of the ball as it is released, so it spins into the jersey of the receiving player rather than rotating away.
Equipment
Stack of cones, 1 ball between 4 and 20+ bibs.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which is not a type of rugby pass?
Q2.What is it called if a player doesn’t catch the ball and it goes forwards?
Q3.Which direction can you not pass in rugby?
Q4.What is the name of the player who picks up the ball from behind the ruck?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When would you use a spin pass?
Q2.Why is a lateral pass useful to a teammate at speed?
Q3.If a line runner runs too fast to receive the ball, what might happen to the direction of the pass to them?
Q4.How can you engage your defender?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Passing and receiving, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Passing and receiving, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Non-examined assessment: rugby league practical unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.