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Lesson 3 - Team Defence Principles

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 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

Tag Belts

1 per student (30 sets)

Distributed before lesson, check all tags secure

Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, velcro strips

Rugby Balls

1 per student for warm-up, 5 for games (average of 4-6)

Check inflation, distribute around area perimeter

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners

Coloured Cones

40+ in multiple colours (red, blue, yellow, green)

Pre-sort into colour groups for quick distribution

Alternative: Different coloured markers, spots, bean bags

Markers

8-12 large cones or markers

Mark out multiple playing areas 20m x 30m minimum

Alternative: Rope boundaries, painted lines

Key Vocabulary

Defensive line

A straight horizontal line of defenders working together to stop attackers

Space denial

Preventing attackers from finding gaps or room to run into

Column defence

Each defender responsible for protecting their assigned area of the pitch

Line speed

The coordinated speed at which the defensive line moves forward

Defensive spacing

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

Maintains position in defensive line without crossing teammates

Communicates clearly with teammates during defensive phases

Shows understanding of space denial principles

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