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Lesson 6 - Dodging and Moving into Space

Foundations to Tournament Play

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

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

Cones

Various formations - scattered for warm-up, gates for skill practice

Alternative: Markers, discs, or flat markers

Rugby Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Foam rugby balls, American footballs, or oval balls

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Ensure each student has properly fitted belt with tags

Alternative: Velcro belts with tags, or fabric strips tucked in waistbands

Team bibs

16 (2 different colours)

Separate teams clearly for small-sided games

Alternative: Coloured bibs, wristbands, or headbands

Key Vocabulary

Dodge

A quick change of direction to avoid a defender

Space

An area on the field with no defenders

Tag

Removing an opponent's tag belt to stop their forward progress

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Oxygen

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

Consistently beats defenders one-on-one

Demonstrates understanding of when to dodge vs pass

Shows tactical awareness in team attack situations

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