Lesson 4 - Defending in Game Situations
Core Skills to Game Tactics
•Year 4
•Tag Rugby
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How can we work together as a defensive team to stop attackers from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- Apply understanding of tagging technique in game situations
- Develop defensive positioning and teamwork strategies
- Understand and apply tag rugby rules consistently
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct tagging technique under pressure
- Students will position themselves effectively as a defensive unit
- Students will understand consequences of rule infractions
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all velcro tags are secure before use
Alternative: Fabric strips, bibs with tags
Size 3 balls appropriate for Year 4
Alternative: Soft touch rugby balls, foam balls
Different colours for boundaries and zones
Alternative: Spot markers, rope
Two contrasting colours needed
Alternative: Coloured bands, team tags
Key Vocabulary
Removing one of two velcro tags from an opponent's belt
A line of defenders positioned behind the tagged player
Being ahead of the ball when your team doesn't have possession
The line players must cross to score points
Positioning to help teammates in attack or defence
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic tagging technique from Unit 1
- Understanding of tag rugby basic rules
- 1v1 tagging skills
Current Skills
- Defensive positioning in groups
- Team communication during defence
- Reading attacking play
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive strategies
- Counter-attacking from defence
- Officiating games independently
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise gentle but effective tagging technique throughout
- Defensive line must form behind the tagged player
- Communication is essential for effective team defending
- Defenders should spread across the pitch width
- Step back rule prevents offside and ensures fair play
- Support teammates through positive encouragement
- Focus on team success rather than individual performance
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking all defenders should chase the ball carrier
- Believing you can stay ahead of a tagged player
- Assuming louder is better for communication
- Thinking tagging harder makes it more effective
- Believing defensive positioning doesn't matter
- Assuming only the tag-maker needs to know the rules
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement and position changes
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger targets and spaces
autism spectrum
- Clear routines for team changes, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for support
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of defensive formations, hand signals for communication, written rule reminders
physical disability
- Modify tagging to seated level if needed, adapt defensive roles, use larger boundaries
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Spatial awareness and geometry through pitch positioning, counting scores and time
Science
Forces and motion in tagging actions, understanding momentum and direction changes
Geography
Directional language and spatial concepts, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork, communication skills, resilience when defending under pressure
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups to observe and support, position to see all activities
Observation Focus
Watch for defensive communication, tagging technique, team cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe play occurs, support groups struggling with concepts
Demonstration Notes
Use positive examples from students, freeze games to highlight good practice, model perfect technique clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Step back!'
- •'Spread out!'
- •'Gentle tags!'
- •'Great communication!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, multiple small pitches possible
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all tag velcro is secure
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges
- •Balls properly inflated
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during chasing
- •Slips when changing direction
- •Overenthusiastic tagging
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Emphasis on controlled, gentle tagging technique
- •Regular reminders about spatial awareness
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple groups
- •Monitor tagging technique closely
- •Watch for fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid