Lesson 7 - Defending Skills and Tactics
Foundations to Tournament Play
•Year 4
•Tag Rugby
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How can we work together as defenders to stop the attacking team from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- To develop defensive positioning and movement skills
- To understand and apply simple defensive tactics in game situations
- To demonstrate effective communication and teamwork in defence
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to delay attackers using correct body position and footwork
- Students will demonstrate simple defensive tactics to help their team gain possession
- Students will identify successful defensive actions and areas for improvement
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around playing area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for indoor use
Pre-fitted with tags, organised by size if available
Alternative: Scarves, ribbons tucked into waistbands
Two sets of different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured t-shirts, house colours
For marking boundaries, channels and scoring lines
Alternative: Markers, spots, corner flags
Key Vocabulary
The team or players trying to stop the opposition from scoring
Slowing down the attacking player to give teammates time to help
Low stance with knees bent, ready to move in any direction
Moving sideways using small, quick steps whilst facing forwards
When a team has control of the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and changing direction
- Understanding of tag rugby rules
- Simple tagging technique
Current Skills
- Defensive body positioning and footwork
- Tactical awareness in defence
- Communication and teamwork in defensive situations
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive strategies
- Counter-attacking from defence
- Complex game situations and decision making
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain low body position with knees bent for quick direction changes
- Use small, controlled sidesteps to stay between attacker and goal
- Communication between defenders is essential for effective team defence
- Patience in defence - delay the attacker rather than rushing in
- Work together to cover the width of the playing area
- Support your teammate when they make a tag
- Quick transition from defence to attack when possession is won
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking defence is only about making tags - it's about positioning and delaying
- Believing you must always rush towards the attacker - patience and positioning are key
- Assuming individual defending is sufficient - teamwork and communication are essential
- Focusing only on the ball instead of reading the attacker's movement
- Standing too upright - low body position provides better balance and reaction time
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular position changes, frequent positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger playing areas, simplified movements, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual timetable, consistent routine, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for directions, demonstration-heavy teaching, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Modified tagging rules, seated defending positions, adapted movement patterns with walking pace
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful defensive actions, measuring distances for playing areas, calculating angles of approach
Science
Understanding forces in rugby - momentum, friction during sidesteps, reaction times in defence
Geography
Directional awareness (North, East, South, West), spatial reasoning, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and communication, resilience when facing attacking pressure, respect for opponents and officials
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during activities, position at corner during games for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct defensive body position, effective communication, and tactical understanding
Intervention Points
Step in if defensive technique unsafe, provide additional coaching for struggling pairs/groups
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing technique, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points regularly
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay low, knees bent!'
- •'Small steps, quick feet!'
- •'Talk to your teammate!'
- •'Stay between attacker and goal!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m outdoor area or large indoor hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from hazards, wet weather alternatives available
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tag belts checked for secure fitting and undamaged tags
- •Rugby balls inspected for proper inflation and no damage
- •Cones positioned safely away from high-activity areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during directional running
- •Trips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Tag belt entanglement or whipping
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing established
- •Progressive build-up from walking to running pace
- •Emphasis on controlled movements and safe tagging technique
- •Regular checks on tag belt security
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all activities
- •Monitor tag belt condition throughout lesson
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required