Lesson 3 - Evading and Communication Skills
Evasion to Strategy
•Year 3
•Tag Rugby
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How can we use clever movement and teamwork to evade defenders and create scoring opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- Explore a range of agility techniques to avoid being tagged
- Evade defenders effectively to score points
- Communicate with teammates to create scoring opportunities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate multiple evasion techniques including side steps and feints
- Students will successfully evade defenders to score points in game situations
- Students will communicate effectively with partners during attacking play
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around playing area for quick access
Alternative: Foam balls or tennis balls for younger students
Check tags are securely attached before activity
Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts
Mark out grid areas and playing zones clearly
Alternative: Markers or bean bags
For distinguishing teams during activities
Alternative: Wrist bands or team bands
Key Vocabulary
To avoid or escape from someone trying to tag you by using clever movement
A quick sideways movement to change direction and avoid a defender
A fake movement to trick the defender into going the wrong way
Talking to teammates to help coordinate attacks and movements
The ability to move quickly and change direction smoothly
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and changing direction skills
- Understanding of tag rugby rules and safety
- Experience working in pairs and small teams
Current Skills
- Agility and evasion techniques
- Communication during attacking play
- Decision-making under pressure
Next Steps
- Advanced evasion techniques including dummy passes
- Defensive positioning and team tactics
- Full game application with complex strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Plant outside foot firmly and push off explosively for effective side steps
- Sell feints with whole body movement - eyes, shoulders and hips all contribute
- Communicate clearly and loudly when working in pairs to maintain ball possession
- Pass before pressure arrives, not when already being tagged
- Stay light on feet and ready to move quickly in any direction
- Use peripheral vision to track defenders while maintaining forward progress
- Gentle tagging only - palm contact, no grabbing or pulling of tags
Common Misconceptions
- Speed alone will beat defenders - emphasise technique and timing over pure pace
- Evasion only works going sideways - teach forward momentum with direction changes
- Communication is only needed when in trouble - establish constant partner dialogue
- Feints need to be dramatic - subtle body movements can be very effective
- Only the ball carrier needs to evade - support players also need awareness and movement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger playing areas, reduced complexity in partner work, extra practice time, simplified instructions with demonstration
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks when needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal cues and descriptions, buddy system for guidance and spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with hand signals, written instructions, ensure face-to-face communication when giving instructions
physical disability
- Seated versions with upper body evasion movements, modified equipment, adapted distances and areas
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting points scored, measuring distances for playing areas, calculating angles of evasion movements
Science
Understanding forces and motion during evasion, body systems during exercise, balance and momentum
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding personal space
PSHE
Communication skills, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of area for maximum visibility, move to provide closer support during skill development
Observation Focus
Watch for correct evasion technique, safe tagging, effective communication between partners
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with technique, unsafe play developing, or communication breaking down
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always show techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Use student demonstrations to reinforce learning. Exaggerate key points for visibility.
Verbal Cues
- •'Plant and push for powerful side step!'
- •'Sell the fake with your whole body!'
- •'Call loudly so your partner knows where you are!'
- •'Pass before the pressure gets too close!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even grass or sports hall surface free from debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts are properly fitted and secure
- •Ensure tags are firmly attached and not damaged
- •Rugby balls properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones placed safely to avoid tripping hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during evasion activities
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Aggressive tagging leading to pulls or contact
- •Overexertion during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
- •Adequate spacing between working groups and pairs
- •Progressive skill building from passive to active defending
- •Emphasis on gentle tagging technique and sportsmanship
- •Regular rest periods and rotation to prevent fatigue
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor high-activity areas during evasion practice
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure boundaries and rules are being followed
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required