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Lesson 7 - Team Defending Tactics

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 work as a defending unit to prevent attackers from breaking through our line?

Learning Objectives

To be able to work as a defending unit to prevent attackers from scoring
To create and use a variety of tactics to help my team defend effectively
To track opponents to slow them down and prevent them from scoring

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective defensive positioning and movement
Students will work collaboratively as a defensive unit
Students will apply tactical knowledge to prevent attacking play

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for marking playing areas, scoring lines, and defensive boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spot markers, or field markers

Rugby Balls

5 (1 per group)

Ensure balls are appropriately sized and inflated for Year 6 students

Alternative: Any oval-shaped ball or foam rugby balls

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Check all belts have two tags and Velcro is working properly

Alternative: Flag belts or improvised belts with ribbons/strips

Team bibs

Two different colours for team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bibs or team pennants

Key Vocabulary

Defensive line

A line of defenders positioned across the width of the playing area to prevent attackers from breaking through

Tracking

Following an attacker's movement to stay between them and the scoring area

Offside

Being in an illegal position behind the ball carrier when a tag is made

Containment

Preventing attackers from advancing by controlling space and movement

Communication

Talking to teammates to coordinate defensive movement and positioning

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tagging technique and rules
Understanding of attacking principles in tag rugby
Knowledge of offside rule basics

Current Skills

Defensive positioning and movement
Team defensive tactics and communication
Tracking and containing attackers

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies in game situations
Leadership roles in defensive organisation
Transition from defence to attack

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain defensive line shape under pressure

Communicates effectively with teammates during defence

Makes tactical decisions to improve team defensive performance

Key Teaching Points

Maintain low defensive stance with knees bent for quick movement and stability
Create and maintain defensive line across full width of playing area
Communicate constantly with teammates to coordinate defensive movement
Track attackers by staying between them and the scoring area
Work as a team unit rather than individual defenders following the ball
Use body position to channel attackers into less dangerous areas
Apply offside rule correctly and understand positioning requirements

Common Misconceptions

Thinking all defenders should follow the ball carrier instead of maintaining team shape
Believing that running straight at attackers is more effective than controlled positioning
Assuming that individual tagging ability is more important than team defensive tactics
Confusing tag rugby defensive principles with full contact rugby strategies
Not understanding that defence in tag rugby requires different skills from attacking play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular movement breaks, clear simple instructions, immediate positive feedback, role responsibilities to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Larger target areas for defensive positioning, simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time for skill development, peer support partners

autism spectrum

Clear predictable routines for each activity, visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet zones available if needed, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for defensive instructions

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for tactical communication, written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Modified tagging rules with touch instead of tag removal, seated defending positions where appropriate, adapted equipment sizes, reduced area sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating tag counts for turnover rule, measuring distances for playing areas, understanding angles of defensive approach

Science

Forces and motion in changing direction quickly, understanding momentum in defensive positioning, body mechanics for effective tagging

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding territory and boundaries in defensive play, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership in defensive organisation, resilience when under attacking pressure, communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position at corner during games for maximum visibility of all students

Observation Focus

Watch for proper defensive positioning, safe tagging technique, and effective team communication throughout activities

Intervention Points

Step in if students are not following safety rules, struggling with tactical concepts, or if game play becomes too physical

Demonstration Notes

Use student volunteers to demonstrate defensive positions and tactics, exaggerate movements for clear visibility, provide positive examples during natural breaks in activities

Verbal Cues

•'Low and ready position!'
•'Create your defensive wall!'
•'Communicate with your teammates!'
•'Track and stay with your player!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple playing areas minimum 15m x 10m each, clear of obstacles with safe boundaries

Surface Check

Ensure playing surface is even, dry, and free from hazards that could cause slips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts have secure Velcro and no damaged parts
•Ensure cones are placed safely and visible to prevent trips
•Verify rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during tagging activities
•Trips and falls when changing direction quickly
•Contact injuries from overly aggressive tagging

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and safe distances between groups
•Emphasise controlled tagging technique throughout
•Monitor game intensity and intervene if play becomes too physical
•Ensure adequate warm-up and cool-down periods

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during game situations
•Be alert for students showing signs of fatigue or distress

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed