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Lesson 7 - Defending Skills and Tactics

Foundations to Tournament Play

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

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

Rugby Balls

Distribute around playing area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for indoor use

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Pre-fitted with tags, organised by size if available

Alternative: Scarves, ribbons tucked into waistbands

Team bibs

16 (2 different colours)

Two sets of different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured t-shirts, house colours

Cones

For marking boundaries, channels and scoring lines

Alternative: Markers, spots, corner flags

Key Vocabulary

Defence

The team or players trying to stop the opposition from scoring

Delay

Slowing down the attacking player to give teammates time to help

Body position

Low stance with knees bent, ready to move in any direction

Sidestep

Moving sideways using small, quick steps whilst facing forwards

Possession

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

Maintains low body position when defending

Uses sidesteps effectively to stay with attacker

Communicates with teammates during defensive play

Makes successful tags in game situations

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