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Lesson 6 - Team Tactics and Competitive Play

Attack & Decision Making

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we use different tactics and teamwork to outsmart our opponents in competitive tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

Use different length passes to create attacking opportunities in competitive games
Apply tactics and teamwork effectively to score tries against opposition teams
Observe and analyse performance to suggest improvements for self and others

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate varied passing techniques to build attacking moves
Students will work collaboratively using tactics to score tries in competitive situations
Students will provide constructive feedback to teammates and opponents

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

2 per student (60 belts, 120 tags)

Pre-sorted into team colours, spare tags available for replacements

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts, velcro strips

Rugby Balls

6-8 size 3 rugby balls

Properly inflated, checked for damage before use

Alternative: Foam rugby balls for less confident students

Coloured Cones

24 cones (4 colours x 6)

Used to mark pitch boundaries and try zones clearly

Alternative: Corner flags, weighted markers

Bibs

30 bibs in 5 different colours

Clean bibs sorted by team colours for easy distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Stopwatch

2 timers

One for game timing, one for activity transitions

Alternative: Phone timer apps, whistle signals

Sun Markers

1 portable whiteboard

For tactical diagrams and team organisation

Alternative: Clipboard with paper, ground markings

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies and methods used to outplay the opposition and create scoring opportunities

Pacing

Managing your energy and speed throughout the game to maintain performance

Round-robin

A tournament format where every team plays against every other team once

Constructive feedback

Helpful comments that focus on specific improvements rather than just criticism

Free pass

A restart given to the non-offending team when rules are broken

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching techniques
Understanding of tag rugby rules and safety
Experience with simple attacking and defending movements
Ability to work cooperatively in small teams

Current Skills

Varying pass length for tactical advantage
Pacing runs throughout competitive games
Team communication and tactical decision-making
Performance analysis and constructive feedback

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations and set plays
Leadership roles in competitive tournaments
Complex game analysis and coaching others
Transition to full contact rugby principles

Milestone Indicators

Consistently chooses appropriate pass length for situation

Demonstrates energy management throughout full games

Communicates effectively with teammates during play

Provides specific, helpful feedback to improve others' performance

Key Teaching Points

Tactical passing creates more opportunities than random passing
Effective pacing allows consistent performance throughout tournament
Team communication improves under pressure situations
Sporting behaviour is as important as skill development
Different tactics work against different opponents
Leadership skills develop through competitive challenges
Constructive feedback helps everyone improve

Common Misconceptions

Longer passes are always better than shorter ones - correct by showing tactical situations
Winning is more important than learning - emphasise skill development and sporting behaviour
You must sprint all the time to be effective - teach energy management and pacing
Only the captain can make decisions - encourage all players to contribute tactically
Competition means being unfriendly to opponents - model respect and sporting values

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clearly defined roles, regular position changes, frequent positive feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Slower game pace if needed, simplified tactical instructions, partner support for organisation

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure explained in advance, quiet zone available, visual schedule of games

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tags and balls, verbal commentary during games, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game management, ensure clear sight lines for communication, use written instructions

physical disability

Modified tagging rules, adapted positions, wheelchair-accessible playing areas

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, giving constructive feedback, using technical vocabulary accurately

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating wins/draws/losses, time management across multiple games

Science

Understanding energy systems and pacing, heart rate management during exercise

PSHE

Leadership skills, teamwork under pressure, resilience in competitive situations, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between tournament pitches for equal observation, position near centre to oversee multiple games

Observation Focus

Tactical application, teamwork quality, sporting behaviour, fatigue levels

Intervention Points

Step in if competitive pressure affects safety or inclusion, provide tactical hints if teams struggle

Demonstration Notes

Highlight excellent examples during games, use specific moments to reinforce learning points

Verbal Cues

•'Great tactical passing!'
•'Excellent team communication!'
•'Remember to pace yourselves!'
•'Fantastic sporting behaviour!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for multiple pitches, clear run-off areas around each pitch

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from holes or debris, checked before tournament begins

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tags securely attached to belts, spare tags available
•Rugby balls properly inflated and inspected for damage
•Cones positioned safely away from playing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during competitive play
•Fatigue and overexertion during tournament
•Overcompetitive behaviour affecting safety

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate space between pitches
•Regular monitoring of intensity and fatigue levels
•Emphasis on sporting behaviour and controlled contact
•Water breaks between games
•First aid kit accessible

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to oversee multiple games simultaneously
•Move between pitches to monitor all teams
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed