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Lesson 5 - Defending and Closing Down Space

Evasion to Strategy

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

How can two defenders work together to stop one attacker from scoring?

Learning Objectives

Understand and apply the defensive principle of closing down space
Work cooperatively with a partner to defend effectively
Demonstrate safe and appropriate tagging techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently close down attackers and take tags
Students will demonstrate effective communication with defensive partners
Students will explain the concept of closing down space in defence

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Check all tags are secure and easily removable

Alternative: Fabric strips tucked into waistbands, coloured bibs with tails

Rugby Balls

1 per student (30)

Ensure appropriate size and weight for Year 3 students

Alternative: Soft balls, foam balls, bean bags for carrying practice

Cones

Create clear playing areas and safety zones

Alternative: Markers, spot dots, rope boundaries

Hoops

8-10

For team bases in warm-up activity

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, carpet squares

Dodgeball

50+

Enough for every student in Rob the Nest activity

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls

Key Vocabulary

Closing down space

Moving closer to an attacker to reduce their options and force them into a smaller area

Tag

Removing a tag from an opponent's belt to stop their forward progress

Ball carrier

The player currently holding the ball who can be tagged by defenders

Defensive partnership

Two defenders working together to close down and tag an attacker

Sideline pressure

Using the boundary line as an extra defender by forcing attackers towards it

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tagging technique from previous lessons
Understanding of attacking principles
Experience playing small-sided tag rugby games

Current Skills

Closing down space as a defender
Working cooperatively in defensive pairs
Communicating effectively during defence

Next Steps

Advanced defensive formations
Switching between attack and defence
Full game application with set plays

Milestone Indicators

Consistently positions body between attacker and try line

Communicates clearly with defensive partner

Successfully tags attackers in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Defenders must approach from side or behind, never obstruct from front
Communication between defensive partners is essential for success
Closing down space means reducing the attacker's options, not just getting close
Use the sideline as an extra defender by forcing attackers towards it
Only the ball carrier can be tagged - other players are safe
Tags must be returned immediately in a sportsmanlike manner
Two-handed ball carrying maintains control and safety

Common Misconceptions

Thinking defenders can stand directly in front of attackers (correct: approach from side/behind only)
Believing individual defending is more effective than partnership (correct: working together closes more space)
Assuming faster running alone wins tags (correct: positioning and teamwork are more important)
Thinking all attackers can be tagged (correct: only ball carrier can be tagged)
Believing defenders should spread out widely (correct: work together to close down specific space)
Assuming tags can be kept after removal (correct: must be returned immediately for fair play)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate positive feedback, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for tagging technique, simplified instructions broken into small steps, larger equipment if available, additional demonstrations

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zone available, consistent language and signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tags and balls, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for movement around area

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for start/stop, demonstrate all techniques clearly, provide written instruction cards for reference

physical disability

Adapt to seated tag rugby version, modify movement patterns, use alternative tagging methods (touching with hand), adjust playing area size

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting tags and successful defences, measuring distances for game areas, understanding angles of approach in defence

Science

Forces and motion in change of direction, friction between feet and surface for stopping and starting, reaction time in defensive responses

Geography

Directional language (left, right, forward, back), spatial awareness in positioning, mapping movement patterns across playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in defensive partnerships, resilience when unsuccessful in defence, respect and fair play during tagging

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the activity area to observe all students, position at corner during games for best overall view

Observation Focus

Watch for proper tagging technique, effective communication between defensive partners, and understanding of space concepts

Intervention Points

Step in if students not following safety rules, provide additional coaching for struggling defensive pairs, address any inappropriate contact

Demonstration Notes

Use student examples to show good practice, demonstrate correct tagging technique regularly, show positioning for closing down space

Verbal Cues

•'Work together!'
•'Close down the space!'
•'Talk to your partner!'
•'Force them towards the sideline!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for main activities, clear perimeter of 2m around playing area

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from stones, holes, or wet patches that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts properly fitted and tags easily removable
•Balls appropriate weight and size for Year 3 students
•Cones placed safely with no sharp edges or trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during rushing movements
•Tripping over boundaries or equipment
•Inappropriate contact during tagging
•Overexertion in warm weather

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
•Emphasis on no frontal obstruction rule
•Regular reminders about two-handed ball carrying
•Appropriate rest periods between high-intensity activities
•Teacher positioned for maximum supervision during games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during skill practices
•Move around during game to monitor all interactions
•Listen for appropriate communication and sportsmanship

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed