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Lesson 6 - Dodging and Moving into Space

Tag Rugby Basics

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can clever movement and dodging help my team attack effectively in tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

To be able to dodge a defender and move into space when running towards the goal
To understand the importance of warming up and its effects on the body
To work effectively as part of a team in attack

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective dodging techniques to evade defenders
Students will show understanding of space and how to exploit it
Students will explain why warming up is important for exercise

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

15 domes up, 15 dishes down for warm-up activity, then repositioned for skill development

Alternative: Marker discs, bean bags, or other visual markers

Rugby Balls

Size 3 or 4 balls appropriate for Year 3 hands

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners, or touch rugby balls

Tag Rugby Equipment

Two tags per belt, properly attached and checked for security

Alternative: Velcro strips, flag belts, or fabric strips

Team bibs

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs, pinnies, or arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

A quick change of direction to avoid being caught or tagged by a defender

Space

An area on the field where there are no defenders, creating opportunities to move forward

Defender

A player trying to prevent the attacking team from scoring by tagging them

Tag

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

Attacking

When your team has the ball and is trying to score

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and movement skills
Understanding of personal and general space
Basic ball handling skills in previous tag rugby lessons

Current Skills

Dodging techniques using footwork and body position
Reading space and making movement decisions
Understanding defensive positioning

Next Steps

Advanced evasion techniques
Creating space for teammates
Complex attacking patterns and strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent low body position when dodging

Quick decision-making when approaching defenders

Effective use of both feet for direction changes

Key Teaching Points

Bend low when dodging - 'like going under a bridge'
Push off outside foot when changing direction
Keep head up to see space and defenders
Tag cleanly and return immediately with clear 'TAG' call
Spread out after tags to create attacking opportunities
Recognise when passing is better than dodging
Work as a team to maintain possession and create space

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dodging always works - sometimes passing is better tactical choice
Standing upright when changing direction - need low body position for effective dodging
Only using one foot to push off - should develop both feet for unpredictability
Keeping tags after tagging someone - must return immediately for fair play
Bunching together after tags - need to spread out to create space

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear visual boundaries, regular positive feedback and refocusing

dyspraxia

Slower movement speeds initially, larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear visual boundaries, consistent routines, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of space, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards available

physical disability

Modify movement requirements, use wheelchair-appropriate spaces, adapt tagging rules

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding body responses to exercise, heart rate changes, oxygen transport to muscles

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding direction changes, mapping movement patterns around area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with challenge and competition, building resilience through practice

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between activities, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for low body position in dodging, safe tagging technique, spatial awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if tagging becomes rough, ensure rule understanding, provide individual coaching

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate both good and improved examples, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Bend low like you're going under a bridge!'
•'Push off your outside foot like a sprinter!'
•'Find the spaces - where aren't the defenders?'
•'Clean tags only - pull and return immediately!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m for main activities, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from potholes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts for secure Velcro and no sharp edges
•Ensure cones are stable and not damaged
•Verify balls are properly inflated and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dodging activities
•Trips and falls when changing direction quickly
•Rough or dangerous tagging technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between students during movement
•Progressive skill building from individual to opposed practice
•Constant monitoring of tagging technique

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for fatigue affecting safe movement

Emergency Procedures

STOP signal, immediate assessment, appropriate first aid response, clear emergency contact procedures