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Lesson 5 - Supporting Teammates in Attack

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 a team to keep possession and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To be able to support a teammate when attacking by moving into effective positions
To understand and apply simple tactics to help the team maintain possession
To demonstrate effective communication and decision-making in attacking situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate ability to move into space to support ball carriers
Students will apply the backwards/sideways passing rule consistently
Students will use width and depth in attacking formations to create scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

Pre-inflate to correct pressure, distribute around activity areas

Alternative: Size 3 rugby balls or foam rugby balls for easier handling

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 sets

Check all tags are secure and belts are correct size for students

Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, or cloth strips as tags

Team bibs

Two contrasting colours for clear team identification

Alternative: Different coloured tags or fabric markers

Cones

Use to mark playing areas and try lines clearly

Alternative: Markers, domes, or natural boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Support

Moving into position to help a teammate by being available to receive a pass

Forward pass

An illegal pass that travels towards the try line - ball must go backwards or sideways only

Possession

When your team has control of the ball and is attacking

Width

Spreading across the playing area to create space and attacking options

Depth

Having players at different distances behind the ball carrier to provide passing options

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic handling and passing skills
Understanding of tag rugby rules
Experience of playing in small-sided games

Current Skills

Supporting teammates through intelligent positioning
Maintaining possession through teamwork
Applying tactical awareness in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced attacking patterns and set plays
Creating overlaps and numerical advantages
Transition from attack to defence

Milestone Indicators

Consistently positions behind or to side of ball carrier

Creates space through movement and communication

Maintains possession for multiple phases of play

Key Teaching Points

Support players must position behind or to the side of the ball carrier for effective passing angles
Use the full width of the playing area to create space and make defending more difficult
Communication between teammates is essential for maintaining possession and creating opportunities
Backwards and sideways passing only - forward passes result in loss of possession
After being tagged, attacking teams must spread out quickly to reorganise their attack
Fair tagging using two hands only, with immediate tag return and clear verbal calls
Teamwork and support are more important than individual brilliance in tag rugby

Common Misconceptions

Players think they can pass forward like in other sports - emphasise rugby's unique backwards passing rule
Belief that staying close together helps the team - teach that spreading out creates more options
Thinking that the fastest player should always have the ball - show how support players are equally important
Assuming you must run directly towards the try line - demonstrate how moving sideways can create space
Believing that tagging should be as hard as possible - teach controlled, fair tagging technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear structured progressions, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Slower introduction of skills, bigger balls for easier handling, additional practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual supports for rules, quiet spaces available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and tags, audio signals for boundaries, buddy system for support

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for game management, clear visual boundaries

physical disability

Modified tagging rules, smaller playing areas, adapted passing distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding forces in passing, balance and movement, heart rate changes during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, using space effectively, directional language

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience, celebrating others' success, dealing with competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups to observe and support. Stand where you can see all activity areas.

Observation Focus

Watch for support positioning, backwards passing accuracy, fair tagging, and positive teamwork

Intervention Points

Step in if students are struggling with support positions, if tagging becomes too aggressive, or if team dynamics become negative

Demonstration Notes

Use students as examples of good practice. Stop activities briefly to highlight excellent support play or tactical awareness.

Verbal Cues

•'Behind the ball!'
•'Use the width!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Backwards only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Firm, even surface free from holes, stones, or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts are secure but not too tight
•Ensure tags are properly attached and easily removable
•Rugby balls correctly inflated and in good condition
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during games
•Tripping over loose or incorrectly fitted tag belts
•Aggressive tagging leading to falls
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Teach and enforce two-handed tagging only
•Regular rest periods during intense activities
•Emphasise controlled movement not maximum speed
•Immediate stop rule when tagged

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Move between groups to monitor technique and behaviour
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overcompetitive behaviour
•Monitor tagging technique throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid as trained, call for assistance if needed