Lesson 6 - Game Situation Skills
Technical to Tactical
•Year 5
•Tag Rugby
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How can we use our Tag Rugby skills effectively in a competitive game while demonstrating sporting values and team understanding?
Learning Objectives
- Apply Tag Rugby skills effectively in different game situations
- Develop understanding of the full back position and its purpose
- Demonstrate sporting values including honesty and fair play
Key Outcomes
- Students will apply passing, running and tagging skills in competitive game scenarios
- Students will understand tactical positioning and the role of a full back
- Students will demonstrate self-regulation and sporting behaviour during gameplay
Equipment & Resources Required
Each student wears belt with 2 tags attached at hip level
Alternative: Fabric strips or bibs tucked into shorts
Distributed around pitch boundaries for quick access
Alternative: Foam rugby balls for safety
6 colours needed for main activity, plus pitch boundary markers
Alternative: Coloured spots or markers
Mark 2 Tag Rugby pitches approximately 30m x 20m each
Alternative: Rope lines or chalk markings
Key Vocabulary
A defensive player positioned behind the main defensive line to provide a second layer of protection
When the referee allows play to continue after an infringement if the non-offending team gains an advantage
Spreading the attacking play wide to create gaps in the opposing team's defensive line
The action of placing the ball on the ground and stepping over it to restart play after being tagged
When a player is ahead of the ball when it's played by their own team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic Tag Rugby skills - passing, catching, tagging
- Understanding of basic game rules and structure
- Experience of playing in small-sided games
Current Skills
- Applying skills under pressure in game situations
- Understanding tactical positioning and the full back role
- Demonstrating sporting values and self-regulation
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play and game management
- Leadership roles within team structures
- Transition to full contact rugby or other invasion games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Full back provides crucial second layer of defence behind main defensive line
- Central field position near opponent's try line offers two angles of attack
- Advantage rule keeps game flowing when non-offending team benefits
- Honest self-regulation demonstrates sporting values better than referee enforcement
- Quick ball playing after tags creates opportunities to catch opponents out
- Stretching defence wide creates gaps for attacking opportunities
- Sporting values of self-belief, honesty, passion and teamwork enhance game experience
Common Misconceptions
- Full back is an attacking position - it's primarily defensive with support opportunities
- Advantage rule means play always continues - it only applies when non-offending team benefits
- All attacks should go wide - central positioning offers more options
- Referee should catch all infringements - players should self-regulate honestly
- Fast ball playing is just about speed - it's about timing to catch opponents unprepared
- Individual skills matter most - team coordination and values are equally important
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement opportunities, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier handling, extended time for skill practice, simplified movement patterns initially
autism spectrum
- Clear, consistent rules and routines, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available for regulation breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones and balls, provide verbal descriptions of tactical setups, buddy system for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all rules and tactics, hand signals for game management, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Modified tagging using velcro strips, walking instead of running options, alternative roles such as referee or coach
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting tags and scoring, calculating tournament points, measuring 5m retreat distances, timing game periods
Science
Understanding forces in running and passing, friction for stopping and starting, heart rate changes during exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of pitch dimensions and boundaries, direction and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience and determination, managing emotions in competitive situations, showing respect for others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between pitches during tournament to observe all teams, central position during skills activities
Observation Focus
Skill application under pressure, tactical decision-making, sporting values demonstration
Intervention Points
Step in for rule clarification, safety concerns, or to highlight good tactical examples
Demonstration Notes
Use students to demonstrate tactical concepts, emphasise sporting values through positive examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Heads up, eyes scanning!'
- •'Play advantage where possible!'
- •'Look for the two angles of attack!'
- •'Show me those sporting values!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 60m x 40m for 2 Tag Rugby pitches plus central activity area
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running and changing direction
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tag belts properly fitted with secure but safe release mechanism
- •Rugby balls appropriately inflated and checked for damage
- •Cones positioned safely away from play areas when not in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during central crossing activities
- •Contact during tagging attempts
- •Trips and falls during rapid direction changes
- •Tag belt injuries if improperly fitted
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and crossing patterns established
- •Proper tagging technique emphasised throughout
- •Progressive speed building in activities
- •Regular equipment checks and proper fitting
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of both game pitches during tournament
- •Monitor central crossing area during skill activities
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety awareness
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required