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Lesson 4 - Tag Rugby Game Application

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 awareness and teamwork to be successful in tag rugby games?

Learning Objectives

To play competitive tag rugby games using proper tagging rules and tactics
To demonstrate controlled passing and receiving under pressure situations
To apply defensive strategies to prevent opponents from scoring

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently apply tag rugby rules during competitive games
Students will demonstrate improved ball handling skills under pressure
Students will work as a team to implement effective attacking and defensive strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

6 (1 per 5 students)

Check inflation and condition before use

Alternative: Soft-touch rugby balls, foam balls for safety

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Ensure all tags are securely attached and functioning properly

Alternative: Velcro strips, coloured ribbons if proper belts unavailable

Team bibs

15 each of two colours

Distribute different colours to opposing teams

Alternative: Coloured pinnards, house team shirts

Dish Cones

12-16

Mark clear playing area boundaries and try lines

Alternative: Field markers, painted lines

Key Vocabulary

Tag

Removing an opponent's ribbon or tag from their belt to stop their progress

Tag count

The number of tags made - after three tags, possession changes to the other team

Dummy pass

Pretending to pass the ball to deceive defenders

Support play

Moving into position to receive a pass from a tagged teammate

Try line

The line players must cross with the ball to score points

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and passing techniques
Understanding of simple tag rugby rules
Experience with dodging and evading movements

Current Skills

Application of complete tag rugby rules in game situations
Tactical decision making under pressure
Coordinated team attacking and defensive play

Next Steps

Advanced tag rugby tactics and set plays
Leadership roles in team organisation
Transition to contact rugby principles

Milestone Indicators

Consistently follows all tag rugby rules without prompts

Makes quick, accurate decisions about when to pass or run

Communicates effectively with teammates during games

Key Teaching Points

Safe tagging technique - clean tag removal with immediate 'TAG' call
Three-second rule after being tagged - return to spot, count, pass quickly
Teamwork in defence - communication and coordination are essential
Smart attacking play - create space and support teammates with ball
Rule consistency - three tags means possession changes, no exceptions
Spatial awareness - use full playing area effectively
Quick decision making - when to run, when to pass, when to support

Common Misconceptions

Players can protect their tags with hands or arms - this is not allowed
Tagged players can pass from anywhere - must return to exact tagging spot
Games continue indefinitely - possession changes after three tags
Physical contact is acceptable - tag rugby is non-contact sport
Only the ball carrier can be tagged - any player can be tagged to create overload situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with regular breaks, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback, leadership roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Slower-paced skill practice, larger/softer balls for easier handling, simplified rules initially, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routine structure, visual rule cards, quiet zones available for breaks, predictable game formats

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tags and balls, provide verbal descriptions of game situations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game starts/stops, written rule cards, clear visual demonstrations of all techniques

physical disability

Modified tagging rules (gentle touch instead of tag removal), wheelchair-accessible games, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in running and dodging, reaction times, physical fitness and health

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries and territories

Mathematics

Counting tag numbers, time management (3-second rule), scoring systems and statistics

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience under pressure, fair play and respect

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between game areas to provide coaching points and ensure safety, central position during instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for rule application, skill development, teamwork, and safety throughout

Intervention Points

Step in when rules are not followed, unsafe play occurs, or students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for all skill demonstrations, involve students in demonstrating good examples

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, choose your path!'
•'Three seconds to pass!'
•'Work together, defenders!'
•'Quick ball release!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m per group for 5v5 games, larger area for warm-up activities

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts for secure velcro and undamaged tags
•Ensure rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Verify cones are visible and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during games
•Trips and falls from quick direction changes
•Aggressive tagging or physical contact

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced
•Emphasis on safe tagging technique throughout
•Adequate spacing between different game areas
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to oversee multiple game areas simultaneously
•Monitor tagging technique for safety
•Watch for fatigue affecting safe play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if required