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Lesson 7 - Defending in Tag Rugby

Tag Rugby Basics

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we work together as defenders to stop the attacking team from scoring?

Learning Objectives

To be able to defend an opponent effectively
To understand and apply defensive positioning and movement
To work as a team to prevent the opposition from scoring

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective defensive techniques including low body position and sidesteps
Students will show understanding of their role as defenders in team situations
Students will apply defensive strategies in game situations with increasing confidence

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access during activities

Alternative: Touch rugby balls, soft foam balls for younger students

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Check all belts have two tags attached and Velcro is working properly

Alternative: Velcro belts, fabric strips attached with clips

Team bibs

16 (8 per team colours)

Two distinct colours for easy team identification during games

Alternative: Coloured bibs, coloured cones for team identification

Cones

20 (optional)

Use to mark boundaries, channels, and scoring lines clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, natural boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Defend

To try to stop the opposing team from scoring by positioning yourself between them and the goal

Tag

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

Sidestep

Moving sideways with small, quick steps while maintaining balance and facing forward

Channel

A narrow corridor or pathway used to contain attacking players

Delay

Slowing down the attacker's progress to give teammates time to help defend

Cover

Positioning yourself to help defend space that teammates cannot reach

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic movement skills including running and changing direction
Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
Basic tagging technique from previous Tag Rugby lessons

Current Skills

Defensive body positioning with knees bent and low centre of gravity
Using small sidesteps to maintain position in front of attacker
Working as part of a defensive unit to cover space effectively

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies including drift defence
Reading attacking patterns and intercepting passes
Coordinated team defence with communication and organisation

Milestone Indicators

Consistently maintains low defensive position

Successfully delays attackers in 1v1 situations

Shows understanding of spacing in team defence

Key Teaching Points

Maintain low defensive position with knees bent at 90 degrees for balance and quick movement
Use small, quick sidesteps to mirror attacker movement while staying between attacker and goal line
Communication between defensive teammates is crucial for covering space and organising effectively
Patience in defence is key - don't rush in for the tag, wait for the right opportunity
Defensive width prevents attackers from finding gaps and forces them into smaller spaces
Safe tagging technique protects both players - grab tag firmly, shout 'TAG', return immediately
Slowing down attackers gives defensive teammates time to provide support and organisation

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must make the tag immediately rather than slowing the attacker down first
Believing that all defenders should focus on the player with the ball instead of covering space
Assuming that standing up tall makes you a better defender when low position provides better balance
Thinking that being aggressive means being a good defender when patience and positioning are more important
Misconception that only fast students can be good defenders when technique and positioning matter more
Believing that defending is just about individual skills rather than team organisation and communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments with frequent changes, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Use larger, easier to handle equipment, provide extra practice time for movement patterns, break down skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine and structure, use visual schedule for lesson sections, offer quiet space if needed for regulation

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all activities, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt to seated defending in wheelchair, use larger tag belts that are easier to remove, modify distances and playing area size

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and giving instructions, descriptive vocabulary for movement, communication skills in team situations

Maths

Counting tags and successful defences, measuring distances for positioning, calculating percentages of successful attempts

Science

Forces and motion during direction changes, reaction times in defensive situations, body systems during exercise

Geography

Directional language (North, South, East, West), spatial awareness and positioning, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of area for visibility of all students during activities. Move to centre during instruction giving.

Observation Focus

Watch for defensive body position, communication between teammates, safe tagging technique, and appropriate game intensity.

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with defensive concepts, unsafe tagging occurring, or game becoming too physical.

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate defensive stance for visibility. Use student volunteers to show good technique. Demonstrate common mistakes followed by corrections.

Verbal Cues

•'Low position, knees bent!'
•'Small steps, stay balanced!'
•'Talk to your partner!'
•'Stay wide, cover the space!'
•'Patient defending, don't rush!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area, clear of obstacles and with firm, dry surface

Surface Check

Ensure playing surface is dry, even and free from hazards. Check for adequate grip for quick direction changes.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts have secure velcro and no sharp edges
•Ensure tags are attached properly and move freely
•Check rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Verify team bands are clean and elastic is not perished

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during direction changes and defensive movement
•Slips and falls during quick sidesteps and direction changes
•Tag removal causing loss of balance
•Over-aggressive contact during tagging

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between groups during multiple activities
•Progressive skill building from 1v1 to 5v5
•Emphasis on controlled, safe tagging technique
•Regular safety reminders about avoiding contact

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during game situations
•Watch for fatigue that might affect safe movement
•Ensure immediate intervention if unsafe play develops

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess severity and provide appropriate first aid. Have emergency contact details accessible.