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Lesson 1 - Ball Handling and Basic Tagging

Individual Skills to Team Tactics

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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1h 22min

Big Question

How can I use my hands and body position to control the ball while staying safe during tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

Develop secure ball handling techniques using proper grip and scooping methods
Apply safe and effective tagging skills in game situations
Demonstrate dodging and evasion techniques to avoid being tagged

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently scoop a ball from the ground using both hands
Students will apply safe tagging techniques that respect opponents
Students will demonstrate basic dodging movements to evade defenders

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

1 per 2 students (15 balls for 30 students)

Stored in equipment basket at side of playing area

Alternative: Oval-shaped foam balls, small footballs

Tag Belts

1 per student (30 belts)

Distributed before warm-up, 2 tags per belt

Alternative: Coloured bands, velcro strips

Cones

20 cones

Mark boundaries and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, spots

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

4 different colours for team activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, team cards

Key Vocabulary

Pop pass

A short pass where hands go under the ball and the ball is popped upwards for a teammate to catch

Scooping

Picking up the ball from the ground using both hands from the side of the ball

Try

Scoring by touching the ball down in the opponent's scoring area with downward pressure

Tag belt

A belt worn around the waist with velcro tags that can be pulled off safely

Dodging

Quick changes of direction or speed to avoid being tagged by defenders

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling from previous PE lessons
Understanding of team games and basic rules
Experience with running and changing direction

Current Skills

Rugby-specific ball grip and handling
Safe tagging techniques
Scooping ball from ground
Basic attacking and defending concepts

Next Steps

Develop passing accuracy over longer distances
Learn more complex evasion techniques
Understand tactical positioning in attack and defence

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control during movement

Safe tagging without aggressive contact

Quick ball recovery from ground

Key Teaching Points

Always demonstrate rugby ball grip with thumbs and fingers spread across the seam, emphasising that the ball should not touch palms
Teach safe tag pulling technique - firm but gentle, pulling tags not grabbing clothing or body
Emphasise scooping technique - approach ball from the side, both hands positioned either side of ball, smooth upward lift
Reinforce try scoring technique - controlled ball placement with firm downward pressure using both hands
Stress importance of spatial awareness and collision avoidance during all movement activities
Focus on teamwork and fair play throughout - celebrating effort as much as achievement
Use clear verbal cues consistently throughout lesson to reinforce key techniques

Common Misconceptions

Children think tag rugby allows tackling like full contact rugby - emphasise that only tag pulling is allowed
Students believe they must hold the ball in their palms for security - teach that finger and thumb grip is more secure
Students think faster movement always equals better performance - emphasise control and technique over speed
Children assume they can approach the ball from any direction when scooping - teach side approach only
Students believe any contact with ground scores a try - emphasise need for downward pressure application

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments with clear start/stop signals, provide regular movement breaks, use high energy activities as outlets

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter balls for easier handling, provide extra practice time for motor skills, break complex movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, establish quiet zone for breaks if needed, use consistent language and routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and tag belts, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for activities

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Adapt activities for wheelchair users by allowing seated ball handling, modify tag positions to accessible height, reduce movement distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting tags collected, measuring distances for activities, timing activities with stopwatch, calculating team relay scores

Science

Understanding forces when throwing and catching, friction when changing direction, heart rate changes during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and pathways, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and respect for others, building confidence and resilience, leadership skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities for optimal visibility of all students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ball grip, safe tagging technique, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if tagging becomes aggressive or students show confusion about rules

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating techniques. Always demonstrate at students' eye level for maximum visibility.

Verbal Cues

•'Remember gentle tag pulling!'
•'Thumbs and fingers spread on the seam!'
•'Scoop from the side of the ball!'
•'Watch their hips, not the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts for secure fastenings and no sharp edges
•Ensure rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones positioned safely with no sharp points

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Aggressive tag pulling causing falls
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips when changing direction

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safe zones established
•Emphasis on controlled movement and gradual speed increases
•Teaching proper tag pulling technique
•Adequate spacing between groups during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during chaos activities
•Monitor tag pulling intensity closely
•Watch for fatigue levels during intense activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or summon help as needed