Lesson 6 - Dodging and Moving into Space
Foundations to Tournament Play
•Year 4
•Tag Rugby
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How can changing direction quickly help your team score more tries?
Learning Objectives
- To be able to dodge a defender and move into space when running towards the goal
- To understand how warming up prepares the body for exercise
- To work effectively as part of a team in attack situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective dodging techniques to evade defenders
- Students will explain the physiological benefits of warming up
- Students will apply spatial awareness skills to support team attack play
Equipment & Resources Required
Various formations - scattered for warm-up, gates for skill practice
Alternative: Markers, discs, or flat markers
Distributed around activity areas
Alternative: Foam rugby balls, American footballs, or oval balls
Ensure each student has properly fitted belt with tags
Alternative: Velcro belts with tags, or fabric strips tucked in waistbands
Separate teams clearly for small-sided games
Alternative: Coloured bibs, wristbands, or headbands
Key Vocabulary
A quick change of direction to avoid a defender
An area on the field with no defenders
Removing an opponent's tag belt to stop their forward progress
Having control of the ball as a team
Gas our muscles need for exercise, carried by blood
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and direction changes
- Understanding of tag rugby rules
- Experience with ball handling and passing
Current Skills
- Dodging techniques with outside foot push-off
- Spatial awareness and movement into space
- Understanding physiological effects of warming up
Next Steps
- Advanced dodging combinations
- Strategic decision-making in attack
- Leading team plays and communication
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Outside foot push-off is essential for effective direction change
- Low body position provides stability and power for dodging
- Spatial awareness helps identify gaps and opportunities
- Team spacing after tags creates attacking opportunities
- Decision-making between dodging and passing improves with practice
- Proper tagging technique ensures safety and fair play
- Warming up prepares the cardiovascular system for activity
Common Misconceptions
- Using inside foot to change direction reduces effectiveness
- Standing upright makes dodging slower and less controlled
- Always trying to dodge when passing might be better option
- Warming up is just about stretching muscles
- Tag rugby is only about individual dodging skills
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear and simple instructions, regular movement and variety
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, larger targets and equipment where possible
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of spatial layout, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards available
physical disability
- Adapted tagging system (reaching/touching), modified movement patterns, wheelchair-accessible games
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for gates, counting successful attempts, timing challenges and calculating improvements
Science
Understanding oxygen transport in blood, heart rate changes during exercise, muscular system responses
Geography
Spatial awareness, understanding directions and angles of movement, mapping field positions
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success and effort
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Corner position for visibility of all students, move between activities to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for effective outside foot push-off, spatial awareness, and safe tagging technique
Intervention Points
Step in if tagging becomes unsafe, if students struggle with dodging technique, or if game behaviour needs correction
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Exaggerate outside foot push-off for visibility, show different approach angles, model positive communication
Verbal Cues
- •'Bend low and push off!'
- •'Look for space!'
- •'Plant and push!'
- •'Head up, see the gap!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from holes, debris, or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts for secure fastenings and undamaged tags
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during direction changes and dodging
- •Falls when changing direction at speed
- •Tag-related injuries from improper technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Proper warm-up with emphasis on direction changes
- •Teaching and reinforcing correct tagging technique
- •Adequate spacing between activities and students
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
- •Monitor tagging technique throughout lesson
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and decision-making
- •Ensure fair play and appropriate competitive spirit
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid/support, ensure all students are accounted for