🏉

Lesson 3 - Evading and Communication Skills

Evasion to Strategy

•

Year 3

•

Tag Rugby

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Rugby Balls

6-8 balls

Distribute around playing area for quick access

Alternative: Foam balls or tennis balls for younger students

Tag Belts

1 belt per student with 2 tags each

Check tags are securely attached before activity

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark out grid areas and playing zones clearly

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Coloured Bibs

8-12 bibs (2 colours)

For distinguishing teams during activities

Alternative: Wrist bands or team bands

Key Vocabulary

Evade

To avoid or escape from someone trying to tag you by using clever movement

Side step

A quick sideways movement to change direction and avoid a defender

Feint

A fake movement to trick the defender into going the wrong way

Communication

Talking to teammates to help coordinate attacks and movements

Agility

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

Consistently uses evasion techniques in game situations

Communicates clearly with teammates during play

Makes good decisions about when to pass or continue running

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