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Lesson 6 - Team Tactics and Game Application

Skills to Team Tactics

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Year 5

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we use tactical awareness and teamwork to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities in tag rugby?

Learning Objectives

To work cooperatively as a team to defend and attack effectively
To use simple skills to keep possession using the 3-step and pass rule
To apply the 'take the metres not the time' tactic to gain attacking momentum

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective teamwork in both attack and defence
Students will apply the 3-step rule with confidence during game situations
Students will understand and implement the tactical concept of taking metres rather than time

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

2 per student (60 total)

Distributed before lesson begins, different colours for each team

Alternative: Fabric strips or bandanas tucked into waistbands

Rugby Balls

6-8 balls

Placed around pitch perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam rugby balls for nervous students

Coloured Bibs

15 per team colour

Pre-sorted into team sets for quick distribution

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or arm bands

Cones

20-30 cones

Used to mark pitch boundaries, try zones, and channels

Alternative: Markers or sports domes

Stopwatch

For timing game periods and transitions

Alternative: Phone timer or wall clock

Competition Planner

1 set

Prepared before lesson with team matchups

Alternative: Whiteboard to track games and scores

Key Vocabulary

3-step rule

When tagged, players must either stop and pass within 3 seconds or keep moving and pass within 3 steps

Take metres not time

A tactical approach where ball carriers focus on gaining ground rather than holding onto the ball for too long

Possession

Having control of the ball and the opportunity to attack

Attacking momentum

The forward progress and energy of the attacking team

Defensive line

The line formed by defending players to stop the attacking team

Free pass

A restart given to the opposition team when rules are broken

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tag rugby rules and gameplay
Fundamental passing and catching skills
Understanding of attacking and defending principles
Experience with small-sided games

Current Skills

Team cooperation in attack and defence
Application of 3-step and pass rule
Implementation of 'take metres not time' tactic
Game analysis and tactical discussion

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations
Complex attacking patterns
Leadership roles in team sports
Tournament organisation and officiating

Milestone Indicators

Consistently applies 3-step rule during pressure situations

Demonstrates understanding of tactical concepts through gameplay

Shows leadership qualities in team organisation

Can analyse and discuss game effectiveness

Key Teaching Points

Take metres not time - forward movement maintains attacking momentum
The 3-step rule must be applied consistently under pressure
Teamwork is essential for maintaining possession and creating opportunities
Support play is crucial - teammates must be ready to receive passes
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as skill development
Every player has an important role in both attack and defence
Tactical understanding develops through experience and reflection

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Holding the ball longer gives more options' - Correction: Taking metres creates better opportunities
Misconception: 'Individual skill is most important' - Correction: Teamwork and support create success
Misconception: 'Defensive players just try to tag anyone' - Correction: Organised defence works together strategically
Misconception: 'Forward passes are allowed in tag rugby' - Correction: Only backward and sideways passes maintain possession
Misconception: 'Competition is only about winning' - Correction: Skill development and sportsmanship are equally important

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with frequent position changes, clear role definitions, regular positive feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Additional practice time for skills, simplified game rules initially, extra support with equipment management

autism spectrum

Provide clear game structure and routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of game situations, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure face-to-face communication, written game rules and tactics sheets

physical disability

Adapt games for wheelchair users with designated channels, modified tagging rules, reduced pitch size as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, vocabulary development, descriptive language for game analysis and reflection

Science

Understanding forces and motion in rugby movement, reaction times, physical fitness and body systems

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning and movement patterns, understanding of directions and positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience in competition, respect and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between game areas to provide coaching and ensure safety, position to see all activities

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, teamwork quality, sportsmanship, and adherence to safety guidelines

Intervention Points

Step in if games become too physical, skills are being forgotten under pressure, or team dynamics become negative

Demonstration Notes

Use student examples during games to highlight good practice, pause briefly to show tactical concepts clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Take the metres!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Gentle tagging only!'
•'Count your steps!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 60m outdoor area or large sports hall for multiple game pitches

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or hazardous objects

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts properly secured and checked before activity
•Rugby balls in good condition without damage
•Cones positioned safely to avoid tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during games
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Aggressive or unsafe tagging
•Ball strikes to head or face

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all game areas
•Emphasis on two-handed tagging only
•Progressive skill building before full games
•Adequate spacing between different game areas
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple games simultaneously
•Monitor game intensity and competitiveness
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure rules are followed consistently

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, and contact school office if required