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Lesson 1 - Defensive Positioning

Skills to Team Tactics

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Year 5

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

How can effective defensive positioning and communication help a team prevent the opposition from scoring?

Learning Objectives

Explain the role of a defender in a competitive game
Tag opposition players safely and effectively in isolation
Apply basic defensive positions in team game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will understand the importance of defensive positioning and communication
Students will demonstrate effective tagging technique while staying within game rules
Students will work as a defensive unit to prevent opposition scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Rugby Equipment

2 per student (60 tags)

Students wear tags on both hips, check tags are securely attached

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into waistbands, velcro tags

Rugby Balls

4-6 balls

Balls should be appropriate size for Year 5 hands

Alternative: Foam rugby balls for safety, size 3 footballs

Coloured Cones

20-25 cones

Different colours for different zones and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, domes, flat markers

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (for team identification)

Ensure clear team distinction for gameplay

Alternative: Different coloured tags, team bands

Key Vocabulary

Defender

A player whose main role is to prevent the opposition from scoring by positioning well and making tags

Marking

Staying close to an opposition player to prevent them receiving the ball easily

Defensive Line

A straight line formation across the pitch where all defenders position themselves

Tagging

Removing a tag from the ball carrier to stop their forward progress

Communication

Talking to teammates to coordinate defensive movements and positions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from previous tag rugby sessions
Understanding of forward and backward passing rules
Basic concept of attacking and defending roles

Current Skills

Defensive positioning and communication
Effective tagging technique and timing
Team defensive coordination and strategy

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies including blitz defence
Defensive transitions from attack to defence
Reading attacking plays and anticipating movements

Milestone Indicators

Consistent defensive line formation

Successful tags made in game situations

Clear defensive communication heard during play

Key Teaching Points

Safe and effective tagging technique - clean tag removal with immediate return
Defensive line formation - straight line across pitch with appropriate spacing
Clear communication between teammates about marking and positioning
Understanding of tag rugby rules - backward/sideways passing, 3-second/3-step rule
Teamwork and cooperation in both attacking and defending situations
Body positioning - staying on toes, ready to change direction quickly
Fair play and sportsmanship throughout all activities

Common Misconceptions

Players thinking they can tag anyone, not just the ball carrier - emphasise only ball carrier can be tagged
Confusion about passing directions - reinforce that only backward and sideways passes are allowed
Believing that individual skill is more important than team positioning - emphasise team defence over individual brilliance
Thinking that communication means shouting randomly - teach specific, helpful communication
Assuming that the biggest/fastest player should always be the defender - explain that positioning and timing matter more than size
Misunderstanding the role of defence - explain it's about preventing scoring, not just making tags

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear changes, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules, positive reinforcement for following instructions

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for tagging technique, simplified rules initially, larger equipment to make tagging easier, paired support when needed

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if needed, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tags and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance around playing area

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking, written instructions on whiteboard

physical disability

Adapt tagging rules for seated players, modify pitch size as needed, use alternative equipment like velcro tags if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in game conditions, measuring distances for pitch setup, geometry in defensive line formations and angles of running

Science

Understanding forces in tag rugby - pulling tags requires force, discussing friction between tags and belts, body systems working during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on the pitch, understanding directions (forward/backward passing), mapping movements and tactical positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in defensive situations, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and officials, managing emotions during competitive play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the activity area to observe all students, position yourself to see the whole group during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct tagging technique, defensive positioning, and quality of communication between teammates

Intervention Points

["Step in immediately if unsafe tagging technique is observed", "Provide additional support for students struggling with defensive positioning", "Reinforce rules if game becomes too physical or competitive"]

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate correct technique clearly, show both correct and incorrect examples, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Remember - pull the tag cleanly and hand it back immediately!'
•'Keep your defensive line straight across the pitch!'
•'Communicate with your teammates - who are you marking?'
•'Stay on your toes, ready to move in any direction!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for safe tag rugby activities, larger if possible for full games

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from holes, stones or other hazards that could cause slips or trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tags are securely attached and in good condition
•Ensure rugby balls are appropriate size and properly inflated
•Cones positioned safely with no sharp edges or trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during tagging attempts
•Trips and falls during fast-paced gameplay
•Injuries from improper tagging technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about safe tagging technique enforced throughout
•Appropriate boundaries and spacing between activities
•Progressive skill building from individual to team situations
•Continuous supervision and rule reinforcement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Move around during games to monitor different areas
•Watch for fatigue that might lead to poor technique or safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical assistance as needed