Lesson 6 - Drawing Defence & Passing
Advanced Tag Rugby Tactics and Team Play
•Year 6
•Tag Rugby
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How can we use tactical decision-making to outsmart opponents and create scoring opportunities in tag rugby?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to draw defence and make tactical passing decisions
- To understand when to pass, when to run, and how to create space effectively
- To apply tactical awareness in competitive game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the ability to draw defenders before passing
- Students will make appropriate tactical decisions under pressure
- Students will create and exploit space to benefit their team
Equipment & Resources Required
Check for correct inflation and safe condition
Alternative: Foam rugby balls, touch rugby balls
Ensure tags are securely attached and easily removable
Alternative: Bibs with velcro strips, flag football belts
Two contrasting colours for clear team identification
Alternative: Coloured cones to identify teams, different coloured tags
Create multiple activity areas approximately 7m x 7m and 8m x 8m
Alternative: Markers, boundary lines, existing court lines
Key Vocabulary
Running towards defenders to commit them before passing to a teammate
Choosing the best action based on what opponents and teammates are doing
Moving to areas where there are no defenders to receive passes or score
Making defenders move towards you so they cannot cover other attackers
Moving to positions where teammates can pass to you effectively
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic tag rugby rules and tag removal technique
- Simple passing and catching skills
- Understanding of forwards and backwards passing rules
- Basic spatial awareness in games
Current Skills
- Drawing defenders before passing
- Making tactical decisions under pressure
- Creating and exploiting space effectively
- Timing passes to maintain attacking advantage
Next Steps
- Advanced team tactics and set plays
- Reading defensive patterns and exploiting weaknesses
- Leadership roles in directing team tactics
- Transition from attack to defence strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Drawing defence means making defenders commit to you before passing - timing is crucial
- Decision-making between running and passing depends on defender positioning and commitment
- Creating space through intelligent movement benefits the whole team's attacking opportunities
- Backwards and sideways passing rules require spatial awareness and tactical thinking
- Tactical communication helps teammates make better decisions and creates team cohesion
- Consistent technique under pressure separates good players from excellent players
- Respect for opponents and rules maintains the spirit and safety of the game
Common Misconceptions
- Passing too early before defender commits - explain that patience creates better opportunities
- Running when outnumbered instead of using teammates - emphasise team advantage concepts
- Forward passing under pressure - reinforce backwards/sideways rule through repeated practice
- Standing still when not in possession - explain constant movement creates space and options
- Rough tag removal technique - demonstrate proper gentle technique for safety and fair play
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear activity boundaries, regular movement between tasks, specific roles and responsibilities, positive behaviour focus
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment options, reduced complexity in early stages, additional practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual activity schedule, quiet zone available, predictable rotation patterns
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of space and positioning, partner guidance system
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration emphasis, hand signals for key concepts, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Modify tag removal to appropriate contact level, allow seated/supported positions, adapt equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Spatial reasoning through area calculation, angles of running lines, counting tags and scores
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, friction on different surfaces, body systems during exercise
Geography
Directional awareness, mapping player movements, understanding of spatial relationships
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience in competitive situations, leadership development, respect for others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing observation of multiple groups, move between activities to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical decision-making quality, skill technique consistency, safety in competitive situations
Intervention Points
Step in when safety compromised, tactical concepts misunderstood, or competitive behaviour inappropriate
Demonstration Notes
Use student demonstrations frequently, exaggerate key teaching points for clarity, show both successful and unsuccessful examples for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Draw them to you first!'
- •'Find the space!'
- •'Trust your decision!'
- •'Support your teammate!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Multiple 8m x 8m areas with 2m buffer zones, minimum 30m x 20m total space
Surface Check
Dry, level grass or artificial surface free from hazards and debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts for secure attachment and easy release mechanism
- •Ensure rugby balls are correctly inflated and in good condition
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges and are clearly visible
- •Check team bibs for tears that could cause injury
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during competitive play
- •Tag belt injuries from rough removal
- •Slips and falls on wet surfaces
- •Ball contact injuries to face/head
- •Overexertion in competitive situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear activity boundaries and buffer zones established
- •Teach and enforce proper tag removal technique
- •Monitor competitive intensity and intervene if necessary
- •Ensure adequate warm-up and skill progression
- •Regular hydration breaks in warm weather
- •Clear rules about contact and physicality
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
- •Monitor tag removal technique throughout
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure fair play and appropriate competitive behaviour
- •Be ready to intervene in high-intensity moments
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, ensure other students remain safe and occupied