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Lesson 5 - Attack And Defend Games

Mastering Attack & Defence

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we master both attacking and defending tactics to dominate in tag rugby matches?

Learning Objectives

Consolidate and apply attacking tactics effectively in competitive game situations
Demonstrate secure defensive formations and transitions in mini games
Evaluate team performance and suggest tactical improvements for both attacking and defending phases

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully combine multiple attacking tactics to score tries consistently
Students will work cohesively as a defensive unit, preventing scoring opportunities
Students will take responsibility for officiating, organising and improving their team's performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

2 per student (56 total)

Distribute before warm-up, ensure secure fitting

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts, fabric strips

Rugby Balls

4-6 balls

Place at centre of each pitch, extras on sideline

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, foam rugby balls for safety

Cones

32 cones

Mark 4 x 20m x 15m pitches with clear try lines

Alternative: Flat markers, natural boundaries if available

Coloured Bibs

28 bibs (4 different colours)

Separate team identification, 7 of each colour

Alternative: Team bands, coloured tags

Stopwatch

1 per pitch (4 total)

Given to student referees for time management

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, wall clock

Tournament Brackets

1 large display chart

Visible to all teams for score tracking and motivation

Alternative: Whiteboard, clipboard charts

Key Vocabulary

Round Robin Tournament

A competition format where every team plays against every other team once

Tactical Formation

The organised positioning of players for attacking or defending phases

Transition

The moment when possession changes and teams must switch between attacking and defending

Space Creation

Using movement and positioning to create gaps in the defence for attacking opportunities

Pressure Defence

Reducing the time and space available to attacking players through coordinated defensive positioning

Officials

Students who take responsibility for refereeing games fairly and enforcing rules

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tag rugby rules and tagging technique
Simple passing and catching skills
Understanding of attacking and defending roles
Experience in small-sided games

Current Skills

Advanced tactical awareness in both phases
Leadership and officiating responsibilities
Complex decision-making under pressure
Team evaluation and improvement strategies

Next Steps

Transition to full contact rugby or advanced invasion games
Coaching and leadership roles in younger students' games
Tournament organisation and management
Advanced sports psychology and team dynamics

Milestone Indicators

Consistently executes tactical plans in competitive situations

Demonstrates natural leadership during team discussions

Makes accurate officiating decisions without hesitation

Provides constructive feedback that improves team performance

Key Teaching Points

Tournament format creates authentic competitive experience while maintaining educational focus
Peer officiating develops leadership, decision-making and rules knowledge beyond playing skills
Tactical discussions before and during games build strategic thinking and communication abilities
Pressure situations reveal character and provide opportunities for growth mindset development
Balance between competitive success and sportsmanship values essential for holistic development
Self-reflection and peer feedback create continuous learning cycle beyond formal assessment
Team captain roles develop leadership skills and inclusive decision-making abilities

Common Misconceptions

Tournament success depends only on the fastest or strongest players - actually requires tactical awareness and teamwork
Good referees never make mistakes - actually good referees make clear decisions and maintain game flow
Winning teams should focus only on attacking - successful teams balance both attacking and defending phases
Individual skills matter more than team tactics in competitive games - team coordination usually defeats individual brilliance
Competitive pressure always reduces performance quality - proper preparation can help students perform better under pressure

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with more frequent rotations, specific tactical roles to maintain focus, celebration of positive contributions

dyspraxia

Simplified tactical options, extra practice time for tagging technique, focus on effort and improvement over results

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure with visual schedule, designated quiet zones for breaks, consistent referee signals and routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tag belts and balls, provide verbal descriptions of tactical formations, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual referee signals, clear written tournament rules, use of hand gestures for tactical communication

physical disability

Modified tagging rules for seated players, adapted pitch size, alternative roles such as dedicated referee or tactical advisor

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills for captains, tactical discussions and clear officiating explanations

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, statistics tracking, time management and spatial awareness during tactical positioning

Science

Understanding forces during running and changing direction, body systems working under competitive pressure

Geography

Spatial awareness, field positioning and tactical map reading during game analysis

PSHE

Leadership skills, teamwork under pressure, conflict resolution and emotional regulation during competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing observation of all tournament games while remaining accessible to referees

Observation Focus

Balance between tactical development assessment and safety monitoring during competitive play

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, serious rule disputes, or when refereeing standards drop significantly

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Highlight excellent examples of tactics, sportsmanship and officiating during games without stopping play

Verbal Cues

•'Great tactics!' when teams execute planned strategies
•'Excellent refereeing!' to boost officiating confidence
•'Stay calm and play smart!' during high-pressure moments

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4 x (20m x 15m) pitches with 3m safety zones between each playing area

Surface Check

Dry, level grass or sports hall surface free from holes, stones or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts checked for secure Velcro and comfortable fit around waist
•Rugby balls properly inflated and inspected for damage or wear
•Cones positioned securely with no sharp edges or trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during high-speed running and direction changes
•Falls when changing direction rapidly or being tagged
•Overexertion during competitive tournament play
•Frustration or conflict arising from competitive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pitch boundaries established with adequate safety zones
•Emphasis on controlled contact through tagging only
•Regular hydration breaks and rest periods built into tournament format
•Strong emphasis on sportsmanship and referee respect throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all four pitches simultaneously
•Monitor game intensity and intervene if play becomes too physical
•Watch for signs of fatigue, frustration or overcompetitive behaviour
•Ensure referee teams are managing games safely and fairly

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if incident occurs, assess situation calmly, provide appropriate first aid response and support