🏉

Lesson 3 - Creating Space When Attacking

Team Play & Territory

•

Year 3

•

Tag Rugby

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to create space and beat defenders in tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

To understand how attackers can create space to beat defenders
To develop decision-making skills when passing or running with the ball
To demonstrate correct tagging technique and game rules

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to create space when attacking in tag rugby
Students will understand when to pass and when to run with the ball
Students will demonstrate improved teamwork and communication skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Ensure belts are properly fitted and tags are securely attached

Alternative: Bib strips tucked into shorts, velcro belts

Key Vocabulary

Creating space

Moving to areas where there are no defenders to make it easier to attack

Free pass

An uncontested pass awarded when a player is tagged while holding the ball

Support

Positioning yourself to help the ball carrier by being available for a pass

Draw the defender

Running towards a defender to make them commit to tackling you, creating space for teammates

Try

Scoring by placing the ball down in the opposition's end zone

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and passing skills
Understanding of tag rugby basic rules
Ability to run with ball in open space

Current Skills

Creating space through movement and positioning
Decision-making between passing and running
Supporting teammates in attacking plays

Next Steps

More complex attacking patterns with multiple attackers
Defensive positioning and team strategies
Game situations with multiple phases of play

Milestone Indicators

Consistently creates space before being tagged

Makes appropriate pass/run decisions 7/10 times

Communicates effectively with teammates during play

Key Teaching Points

Space creation happens by drawing defenders away from areas where teammates can receive the ball
Communication between teammates is essential for successful attacking plays in tag rugby
Timing of passes is crucial - draw the defender close but pass before being tagged
Support players must position themselves in the space created by the ball carrier's movement
Decision-making between passing and running depends on the defender's reaction and positioning
Free passes after being tagged must go backwards and provide a new attacking opportunity
Good sporting behaviour and encouragement help teams perform better than individual skill alone

Common Misconceptions

Students often think they should run around defenders rather than at them to create space - emphasise running AT defenders to draw them
Many believe passing should happen immediately when pressured - teach that drawing the defender first creates more space
Some think the support player should stay behind the ball carrier - show how moving into created space is more effective
Students may believe free passes can go forwards after being tagged - reinforce backwards passing rule consistently
Common assumption that faster runners always beat defenders - demonstrate how teamwork and tactics beat individual speed
Misconception that defenders should always chase the ball - show how good defenders position to limit attacking options

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear endpoints, regular movement breaks, clear visual and verbal cues, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time for coordination skills, clear step-by-step breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear visual boundaries with cones, predictable routine structure, quiet zone available if needed, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tags and balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of space locations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations with hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading

physical disability

Adapted tagging using soft foam markers, wheelchair accessible playing area, modified rules for limited mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for space creation, counting steps when drawing defenders, calculating scores and statistics from games

Science

Understanding forces when changing direction, momentum when running with ball, reaction times in passing decisions

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on the field, understanding directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in attacking plays, resilience when tactics don't work, leadership through captain roles

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of playing area for maximum visibility of all students, move between groups during practice activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct tagging technique, space creation attempts, communication between teammates, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic concept of drawing defenders, if rough play develops, or if groups not rotating fairly

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show space creation clearly, involve confident students in demonstrations, break down complex skills into simple steps

Verbal Cues

•'Draw them towards you!'
•'Look for the space!'
•'Talk to your teammate!'
•'Time your pass!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery patches that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts are properly fitted - not too tight or loose
•Ensure tags are securely attached to belts and not damaged
•Verify rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during running activities
•Slips and falls on playing surface
•Rough tagging leading to pulling or injury
•Ball strikes to face or body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones to prevent collisions
•Adequate spacing between activity channels (minimum 2m)
•Gentle tagging technique emphasised and demonstrated
•Progressive skill building from walking pace to full speed
•Regular safety reminders about awareness of others

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally to observe all groups simultaneously
•Move between groups during activities to monitor closely
•Watch for fatigue which can lead to poor decision making
•Monitor competitive situations for rough play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on whistle, assess injury appropriately, provide first aid as needed, contact school first aider if required