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Lesson 6 - Game Situation Skills

Technical to Tactical

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Year 5

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

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

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Each student wears belt with 2 tags attached at hip level

Alternative: Fabric strips or bibs tucked into shorts

Rugby Balls

6-8

Distributed around pitch boundaries for quick access

Alternative: Foam rugby balls for safety

Dish Cones

6 colours needed for main activity, plus pitch boundary markers

Alternative: Coloured spots or markers

Sun Markers

8-10

Mark 2 Tag Rugby pitches approximately 30m x 20m each

Alternative: Rope lines or chalk markings

Key Vocabulary

Full back

A defensive player positioned behind the main defensive line to provide a second layer of protection

Advantage rule

When the referee allows play to continue after an infringement if the non-offending team gains an advantage

Stretch the defence

Spreading the attacking play wide to create gaps in the opposing team's defensive line

Play the ball

The action of placing the ball on the ground and stepping over it to restart play after being tagged

Offside position

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

Consistent skill application under game pressure

Tactical awareness and positioning decisions

Self-regulation and honest play without referee intervention

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