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Lesson 3 - Developing Defending Skills

Core Skills to Game Tactics

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Check all belts are secure and tags are properly attached

Alternative: Velcro strips, flag belts, or scarves tucked into waistbands

Rugby Balls

15 (1 per pair/group)

Balls should be appropriate size for Year 4 hands

Alternative: Foam balls, soft-touch rugby balls

Cones

20-30

Mark out practice areas and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines

Bibs

15 (different colours for defenders)

Help distinguish defenders from attackers during activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tag belts

Key Vocabulary

Tag

Removing a tag belt from an attacking player to stop their forward progress

Defending

Working to prevent the attacking team from scoring points

Pressure

Moving towards the ball carrier to reduce their time and space

Support

The second defender positioning to help their partner

Offside

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

Consistent accurate tagging in 1v1 situations

Effective communication between defensive partners

Understanding of when and where to position defensively

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