Lesson 3 - Developing Defending Skills
Core Skills to Game Tactics
•Year 4
•Tag Rugby
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How can we work together as defenders to stop attackers from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate tagging technique and understanding of when to tag
- Learn how to work together as a defending unit to prevent tries
- Understand the consequences of rule breaking and how to exploit attacking mistakes
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct tagging technique consistently
- Students will show understanding of defensive positioning and communication
- Students will apply defending principles in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all belts are secure and tags are properly attached
Alternative: Velcro strips, flag belts, or scarves tucked into waistbands
Balls should be appropriate size for Year 4 hands
Alternative: Foam balls, soft-touch rugby balls
Mark out practice areas and boundaries clearly
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines
Help distinguish defenders from attackers during activities
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tag belts
Key Vocabulary
Removing a tag belt from an attacking player to stop their forward progress
Working to prevent the attacking team from scoring points
Moving towards the ball carrier to reduce their time and space
The second defender positioning to help their partner
Being in an illegal position ahead of the ball when play stops
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic movement skills - running, stopping, changing direction
- Understanding of tag rugby basic rules from Unit 1
- Experience of individual tagging technique
Current Skills
- Coordinated defensive movement and positioning
- Accurate tagging under pressure
- Communication and teamwork in defence
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive patterns and strategies
- Counter-attacking from defensive situations
- Full game application with multiple defenders
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defending is about working together as a team, not just individual tagging
- Apply pressure by moving forward - don't wait for attackers to come to you
- Communication between defenders is essential for success
- Good defending forces attackers into mistakes and wins possession back
- Timing and control are more important than speed when tagging
- Support defenders position behind and to the side of pressure defender
- Understanding consequences (dropped balls, going out) creates defending opportunities
Common Misconceptions
- Defending is only about tagging - actually it's about teamwork, positioning, and pressure
- Faster always means better defending - controlled movement is more effective
- Support defenders should rush in to help - they should maintain position and be ready
- Individual defending is most important - team defending wins games
- Pressure should be applied at the last moment - early pressure forces mistakes
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear and simple instructions, regular movement breaks, positive behaviour reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger tag belts for easier gripping, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, patient coaching approach
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet break zones available, consistent verbal cues and instructions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured tag belts, verbal cues for positioning, tactile guidance for tag technique, buddy system for support
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, vibrating whistle for attention, face students when speaking
physical disability
- Wheelchair-accessible tag rugby with seated tagging, modified equipment, adjusted space sizes, buddy support system
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for defensive positioning, calculating successful tag percentages, understanding angles for body positioning
Science
Forces and motion in defensive movement, reaction times, heart rate changes during activity
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of direction and angles in defensive setup
PSHE
Teamwork and communication, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and teammates
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups to observe and provide feedback, position at corners for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct tagging technique, communication between defenders, understanding of positioning
Intervention Points
Step in if students are struggling with concepts, not following safety guidelines, or becoming frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, provide positive examples from lesson
Verbal Cues
- •'Close the space down!'
- •'Work together!'
- •'Good pressure!'
- •'Talk to each other!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, stones, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts are in good condition with secure velcro
- •Ensure tags are properly attached and not frayed
- •Balls are appropriately sized and inflated
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during defensive pressure
- •Slips and falls when changing direction quickly
- •Contact when reaching for tags
- •Overexertion during high-intensity defending
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
- •Emphasis on controlled movement rather than speed
- •Teach proper tagging technique to avoid grabbing players
- •Regular water breaks and monitor for fatigue
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
- •Be alert to contact levels during tagging
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed