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Lesson 6 - Drawing Defence & Passing

Advanced Tag Rugby Tactics and Team Play

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

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

Rugby Balls

1 per 3 students (minimum 10)

Check for correct inflation and safe condition

Alternative: Foam rugby balls, touch rugby balls

Tag Rugby Equipment

1 per student (30 minimum)

Ensure tags are securely attached and easily removable

Alternative: Bibs with velcro strips, flag football belts

Team bibs

15 (for team identification)

Two contrasting colours for clear team identification

Alternative: Coloured cones to identify teams, different coloured tags

Dish Cones

20-30

Create multiple activity areas approximately 7m x 7m and 8m x 8m

Alternative: Markers, boundary lines, existing court lines

Key Vocabulary

Drawing Defence

Running towards defenders to commit them before passing to a teammate

Tactical Decision

Choosing the best action based on what opponents and teammates are doing

Creating Space

Moving to areas where there are no defenders to receive passes or score

Committing Defenders

Making defenders move towards you so they cannot cover other attackers

Support Running

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

Consistently draws defender before passing

Makes correct run/pass decisions 80% of the time

Creates scoring opportunities through tactical awareness

Demonstrates leadership in game situations

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