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Lesson 6 - Drawing Defence and Passing

Skills to Team Mastery

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Year 5

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can I create space and make smart passing decisions to help my team succeed in attack?

Learning Objectives

To draw defence and know when to pass
To move into space effectively to help the team
To understand different skills for different situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate drawing defenders before passing
Students will create and use space effectively during attacking phases
Students will make appropriate decisions about when to pass versus when to run

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

Distribute around playing areas

Alternative: Foam rugby balls, touch rugby balls

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (class set)

Ensure two tags per belt, check velcro strength

Alternative: Fabric strips, velcro tags

Team bibs

15 (two colours)

Clearly distinguish teams

Alternative: Coloured bibs, fabric bands

Cones

20 (optional)

Mark playing area boundaries

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Draw defence

Attracting a defender towards you before passing to a teammate

Space creation

Moving to areas away from defenders to receive passes

Support play

Positioning yourself to help teammates in attack

Tactical decision-making

Choosing the best action based on the game situation

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tag rugby rules and safety
Simple passing and catching techniques
Understanding of attacking and defending roles

Current Skills

Drawing defenders before passing
Creating and using space effectively
Making tactical decisions in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play including set moves
Leadership roles in team organisation
Complex attacking patterns and defensive strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistently draws defender before passing

Creates space through movement off the ball

Makes appropriate pass/run decisions under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Draw the defender by running directly at them before passing
Time passes perfectly - not too early when no pressure, not too late when tackled
Create space through purposeful movement away from defenders
Read the game situation to decide whether to pass or run
Support teammates by providing passing options
Use tactical communication to coordinate team play
Apply backwards/sideways passing rules consistently

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you must always pass even when there's no defensive pressure
Believing that running away from defenders is better than running at them
Assuming that the first passing option is always the best option
Not understanding that creating space is as important as having the ball
Thinking that individual skill is more important than team tactics

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular feedback and encouragement, leadership roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movements initially, extra practice time, buddy support for complex activities

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for guidance, clear audio instructions

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for starts/stops, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher

physical disability

Modified tagging rules, adapted equipment, adjusted area sizes, alternative roles such as coaching

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Tactical vocabulary development, explanation and description skills, listening to instructions

Maths

Spatial awareness, angles of running and passing, counting tags and scores, timing calculations

Science

Forces in motion, momentum and acceleration, body systems during exercise, reaction times

Geography

Using directional language, mapping movement patterns, understanding space and position

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, decision-making under pressure, resilience when tactics don't work, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, timing of passes, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with timing, when play becomes too physical, or when tactics break down

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show timing, position yourself where all can see, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Draw that defender!'
•'Look for space!'
•'Good timing!'
•'Read the defence!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from hazards and water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts for secure fitting and working velcro
•Inspect rugby balls for proper inflation and damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during game play
•Trips and falls during quick movements
•Contact during tagging attempts

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Emphasis on controlled contact (tags only)
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex scenarios

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all groups during activities
•Move between groups to monitor intensity levels
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required