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Lesson 5 - Tagging to Prevent Scoring

Fair Play: Sharks & Fishes

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Reception

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can defenders work together like sharks to stop attackers from escaping?

Learning Objectives

Explore different ways of preventing an attacker from scoring a point through tagging
Understand simple defensive principles and teamwork in games
Develop spatial awareness and movement skills to catch or avoid other students

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to tag attackers effectively to prevent scoring
Students will understand the consequences of not defending in games
Students will demonstrate improved chasing, dodging and spatial awareness skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Coloured Cones

30 (one per student)

Mark boundaries and safety zones clearly

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, small hoops

Hoops

6-8

One hoop per team for collecting score markers

Alternative: Small boxes, buckets, or marked circles

Sun Markers

30-40

Fish place these in hoops when they score points

Alternative: Bean bags, small balls, or tokens

Key Vocabulary

Attacker

A player trying to score points (the fish in our games)

Defender

A player trying to stop the attackers from scoring (the sharks)

Tagging

Gently touching another player to catch them

Teamwork

Working together with your partner to achieve a goal

Scoring

Getting points by reaching the target area safely

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping on command
Understanding of simple game rules
Awareness of personal space

Current Skills

Tagging other students safely
Working in pairs to defend
Understanding attack and defence roles

Next Steps

More complex defensive strategies
Larger team games with multiple defenders
Understanding positional play

Milestone Indicators

Shows awareness of where attackers are moving

Demonstrates simple teamwork with defending partner

Understands why preventing scoring is important

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise gentle, safe tagging technique throughout all activities
Reinforce the importance of teamwork between defending sharks
Connect defensive actions to preventing the opposition from scoring
Use shark and fish theme consistently to maintain engagement
Ensure all students experience both attacking and defending roles
Celebrate good sportsmanship and rule-following
Build understanding progressively from simple to more complex games

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that being rough makes you a better defender - emphasise controlled, strategic play
Believing sharks should work individually - stress cooperation and communication
Not understanding why preventing scoring matters - link to real sports and team games
Confusion between attack and defence roles - use clear visual and verbal cues
Thinking tagged fish can't play anymore - explain tail return and continuation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement breaks built in, clear time limits for each activity, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Practice tagging technique extensively, use larger targets, allow extra processing time for rule changes

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, designated quiet space if overwhelmed, consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of play area layout, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for start/stop, clear hand gestures, written instruction cards with pictures

physical disability

Modify to seated/stationary versions, use different tagging methods (ball rolling), adjust play area size

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores and attempts, understanding numbers up to 5, simple addition of team scores

Science

Understanding how animals move (fish swimming, shark hunting), discussing predator and prey relationships

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, taking turns, following rules, being fair to others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can see all groups simultaneously, move between groups to provide feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for gentle tagging technique, effective teamwork between sharks, and understanding of attack/defence roles

Intervention Points

Step in if tagging becomes rough, if students don't understand their roles, or if groups aren't working together effectively

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing techniques, involve students in demonstrations to maintain engagement

Verbal Cues

•'Gentle touches only!'
•'Sharks, talk to your partner!'
•'Remember to give the tail back!'
•'Fish, use your dodging skills!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, preferably with soft surface (grass or gym mats)

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or obstacles that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Tails/bands are securely attached and not too long
•Score tokens are large enough to prevent choking hazard

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during chasing games
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Rough contact during tagging

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Emphasis on gentle tagging technique throughout
•Adequate space between different groups playing
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor tagging technique continuously
•Watch for students becoming over-excited or rough

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, continue with remaining students only when safe to do so