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Lesson 6 - Game Strategy & Tournament Play

Advanced Tag Rugby Tactics and Strategic Play

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we use tactical awareness and advanced skills to dominate in competitive Tag Rugby situations?

Learning Objectives

Apply tag rugby skills effectively in competitive game situations with tactical awareness
Demonstrate understanding of advanced game concepts including full back positioning and advantage rule
Show sporting values whilst competing at high intensity in tournament format

Key Outcomes

Students will execute complex passing sequences under pressure with 80% accuracy
Students will demonstrate tactical positioning including effective use of full back role
Students will compete with sporting values whilst applying advantage rule appropriately

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

6-8

Distributed around activity areas for quick access

Alternative: Rugby balls or oval training balls

Tag Belts

30 belts, 60 tags

Each student wears belt with 2 tags, spares available

Alternative: Fabric strips or bandanas tucked into waistbands

Cones

12 different colours

6 matching pairs placed around central grid area

Alternative: Coloured markers or bibs

Sun Markers

16 cones

Mark 2 tournament pitches with clear boundaries

Alternative: Cones, discs or line markings

Score Sheets

4 different colours

Placed for final self-assessment activity

Alternative: Coloured markers or zones

Video Device

1 tablet/camera

For recording game play and skill demonstration

Alternative: Phone camera or school iPad

Key Vocabulary

Full Back

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

Advantage Rule

Allowing play to continue after an infringement if the non-offending team gains territorial or tactical advantage

Tactical Positioning

Strategic placement of players to maximise attacking or defensive opportunities

Tournament Format

Competitive structure where multiple teams play against each other in shortened games

Play the Ball

Restarting play after being tagged by placing ball on ground and stepping over it

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can perform basic tag rugby passes and catches
Students understand fundamental tag rugby rules and positioning
Students can participate in structured tag rugby games

Current Skills

Advanced passing under pressure and movement
Tactical game understanding including full back positioning
Competitive tournament play with sporting values

Next Steps

Inter-school competition preparation
Advanced tactical variations and set plays
Leadership roles in competitive rugby situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passing under pressure

Good tactical decision making in game situations

Effective implementation of full back defensive system

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise sporting values throughout competitive tournament play
Focus on tactical application of full back positioning during games
Encourage quick ball movement to exploit defensive positioning
Model and reinforce advantage rule application for flowing gameplay
Balance competitive intensity with skill development focus
Use video analysis to support individual skill development feedback
Connect lesson learning to community rugby opportunities

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking full back should join attacking line rather than staying deep for defensive cover
Believing advantage rule means play never stops for infringements rather than understanding when advantage is gained
Assuming competitive success is more important than demonstrating sporting values and skill development
Thinking central field position limits attacking options when it actually provides maximum tactical flexibility

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes within structure, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement for sustained attention

dyspraxia

Larger balls available, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for skill development, peer support encouraged

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure displayed visually, quiet zones available, predictable rotation schedules provided

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment and clear verbal descriptions of positioning, provide audio cues for game flow

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, written rule reminders available, buddy system for communication

physical disability

Adapted tag positions for wheelchair users, modified pitch sizes, alternative throwing techniques accommodated

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating win percentages, measuring pitch dimensions and distances

Science

Understanding forces in tag rugby collisions, biomechanics of running and passing, cardiovascular responses during competition

Geography

Spatial awareness and field positioning, understanding angles of attack and defensive positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive pressure, showing resilience in challenging situations, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between tournament pitches for optimal visibility, use central vantage point during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, skill execution under pressure, and sporting behaviour demonstration

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, rule clarifications, or when competitive pressure affects sporting values

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, game-speed demonstrations for tactical concepts, model sporting behaviour throughout lesson

Verbal Cues

•'Quick ball movement!'
•'Use your full back!'
•'Find the space!'
•'Play with integrity!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 60m for 2 tournament pitches plus warm-up areas, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even grass or artificial surface free from holes, debris or hazardous markings

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts are properly fitted and secure before tournament
•Ensure tags detach easily without being too loose
•Inspect balls for proper inflation and no damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during high-intensity tournament play
•Overexertion during competitive activities
•Potential conflicts arising from competitive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safety zones established around pitches
•Adequate rest periods built into tournament rotation
•Teacher actively monitoring competitive behaviour and intervening when necessary
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures followed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear visibility of both tournament pitches simultaneously
•Monitor individual students for signs of overexertion or distress
•Watch for proper application of rules to prevent dangerous play

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact medical support if required