Lesson 3 - Team Defence Principles
Skills to Team Tactics
•Year 5
•Tag Rugby
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can a team work together to create an impenetrable defensive wall that denies space to attackers?
Learning Objectives
- Identify and apply the basic principles of team defence in tag rugby
- Develop tactical understanding of how to deny space to the attacking team
- Apply defensive principles effectively in competitive game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will understand the importance of maintaining a straight defensive line
- Students will demonstrate coordinated team movement when defending
- Students will apply defensive principles successfully in game contexts
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed before lesson, check all tags secure
Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, velcro strips
Check inflation, distribute around area perimeter
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners
Pre-sort into colour groups for quick distribution
Alternative: Different coloured markers, spots, bean bags
Mark out multiple playing areas 20m x 30m minimum
Alternative: Rope boundaries, painted lines
Key Vocabulary
A straight horizontal line of defenders working together to stop attackers
Preventing attackers from finding gaps or room to run into
Each defender responsible for protecting their assigned area of the pitch
The coordinated speed at which the defensive line moves forward
The correct distance between defenders to cover the width effectively
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic tag rugby rules and gameplay
- Individual defensive skills and positioning
- Understanding of attacking space and movement
Current Skills
- Team defensive line formation and maintenance
- Coordinated movement in defence
- Communication and organisation in defensive situations
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive strategies and counter-attacking
- Defensive patterns for different attacking scenarios
- Leadership roles in defensive organisation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defensive line must always remain straight like a wall across the pitch
- Defenders should never cross paths as this creates gaps for attackers
- Team must move forward together at the same speed and timing
- Communication is essential - defenders must talk constantly to stay organised
- Each defender protects their assigned column while maintaining team shape
- Line speed must be coordinated - not individual players rushing forward
- Proper spacing is arm's length apart to cover maximum width effectively
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking faster individual movement is better than coordinated team movement
- Believing defenders can leave their position to chase attackers anywhere
- Assuming that crossing paths doesn't matter if you get the tag
- Thinking communication isn't necessary if everyone can see what's happening
- Believing that spreading out more provides better defence coverage
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, use high-energy activities to channel focus
dyspraxia
- Allow extra time for coordination activities, provide simplified movement patterns, use larger visual markers for positioning
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for activity sequence, allow quiet zones for regulation breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones and markers, provide verbal descriptions of formations, partner with sighted buddy for line guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals and demonstrations, written instructions on cards, ensure visual contact before giving instructions
physical disability
- Modify to wheelchair accessible positions, use alternative equipment like beanbags for ground marking, adapt roles to match capabilities
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Understanding of straight lines, parallel lines, measurement of spacing and distances, counting and timing in activities
Science
Forces and motion in team movement, understanding of reaction times, friction and grip on different surfaces
Geography
Spatial awareness, understanding of areas and boundaries, mapping movement patterns across space
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, leadership and responsibility, resilience when defence is challenged
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position to observe multiple teams, move between groups during activities for individual coaching
Observation Focus
Defensive line straightness, communication between players, application of principles in game context
Intervention Points
Step in if defensive lines become too scattered, provide support for teams struggling with coordination
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated demonstrations showing correct and incorrect defensive positioning, emphasise visual aspects of straight lines and spacing
Verbal Cues
- •'Straight line like a wall!'
- •'Talk to your team!'
- •'Move together, not alone!'
- •'Defend your column!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, additional space for multiple team activities
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all tags are secure but release appropriately
- •Ensure cones are stable and not sharp or damaged
- •Verify rugby balls are properly inflated and suitable size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during defensive line movement
- •Falls when changing direction at speed
- •Contact during tagging attempts
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled movement and communication
- •Progress speed gradually through activities
- •Clear rules about tag contact only - no grabbing players
- •Adequate spacing between teams and activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all team areas during group work
- •Monitor speed progression to ensure control maintained
- •Check tag security regularly throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely managed