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Lesson 6 - Applying Skills in Tag Rugby Games

Individual Skills to Team Tactics

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can I use all my tag rugby skills together to play fairly and successfully in a real game?

Learning Objectives

Apply a range of tag rugby skills effectively in game situations
Demonstrate understanding of rules including offside and restart procedures
Show sporting values throughout competitive play

Key Outcomes

Students will apply multiple skills in pressured game situations
Students will play fairly, acknowledging mistakes and following rules
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Half the balls distributed for warm-up activity

Alternative: Rugby balls, footballs for passing practice

Dish Cones

25 (various colours)

6 cones for main activity, 4 for plenary, remainder for pitch boundaries

Alternative: Spots, bean bags for boundaries

Tag Rugby Equipment

60 (2 per student)

Different colours for team identification

Alternative: Flag belts, fabric strips

Bibs

15 (4 different colours)

For tournament team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Offside

When a player is positioned ahead of the ball when their team has possession, preventing them from interfering with play

Pop pass

A short, quick pass delivered with an upward motion of the hands to a nearby teammate

Sporting values

Positive behaviours including honesty, respect, determination, teamwork, passion and self-belief

Forward pass

An illegal pass where the ball is thrown towards the opponent's try line

Overlap

Creating extra players in attack by positioning teammates in advantageous positions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching techniques
Understanding of try scoring
Basic movement with ball control
Introduction to tags and defending

Current Skills

Combining skills in game situations
Applying rules knowledge practically
Demonstrating sporting values
Understanding offside rule

Next Steps

Advanced tactical decision making
Leadership and coaching roles
Complex game strategies and formations
Officiating and rule application

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball control under pressure

Applies rules fairly without teacher intervention

Shows tactical awareness in positioning

Demonstrates consistent sporting behaviour

Key Teaching Points

Self-officiating and sporting values are central to this lesson
Tournament format allows multiple game experiences
Offside rule understanding is crucial for fair play
Pop passing technique requires timing and accuracy
Assessment photo provides evidence for summative evaluation
Peer recognition reinforces positive sporting behaviour
Community links encourage lifelong participation

Common Misconceptions

Players think they can interfere when offside if they're close to play
Forward pass rule confusion about direction relative to player vs field
Belief that aggressive tag removal makes better defence
Misconception that individual skill is more important than team play
Thinking that rules don't matter in practice games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement-based activities

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, larger equipment for easier handling, step-by-step instruction breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine establishment, visual rule charts, quiet observation area available, structured peer interaction

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of play, buddy system for guidance, audio signals for rule breaks

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration emphasis, hand signals for communication, written rule reminders, clear visual referee signals

physical disability

Modified running distances, seated passing activities, alternative scoring methods, adapted tag removal

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, time management for game duration, spatial geometry in field positioning, statistical analysis of tries scored

Science

Forces in collision situations, physics of ball trajectory, body systems during exercise, balance and centre of gravity

Geography

Directional awareness, spatial positioning, mapping pitch layouts, understanding of territorial concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, emotional regulation during competition, honesty and integrity, leadership development, conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between tournament pitches for optimal supervision, move to support crossing activities during skill development

Observation Focus

Rule application accuracy, sporting behaviour demonstration, skill execution under pressure, safety during all activities

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe tag removal, support rule understanding, encourage sporting values, facilitate self-officiating

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for rule explanations, model excellent sporting behaviour throughout, demonstrate proper tag removal technique

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes up for the pass!'
•'Acknowledge that forward pass!'
•'Show great sporting values!'
•'Think about your positioning!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for full activity, clear of obstacles with suitable surface

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, even ground free from holes or debris, appropriate for running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts are in good condition with secure fastenings
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Verify cones are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during crossing activities
•Tag grabbing technique causing falls
•Over-competitive behaviour in tournament

Risk Mitigation

•Clear crossing patterns with adequate spacing
•Proper tag removal technique emphasised
•Sporting values emphasis throughout
•Teacher positioning for maximum supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both tournament pitches
•Monitor crossing activities for collision risk
•Watch for appropriate tag removal technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, clear communication with school procedures