Lesson 5 - Attack And Defend Games
Mastering Attack & Defence
•Year 6
•Tag Rugby
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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
Distribute before warm-up, ensure secure fitting
Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts, fabric strips
Place at centre of each pitch, extras on sideline
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, foam rugby balls for safety
Mark 4 x 20m x 15m pitches with clear try lines
Alternative: Flat markers, natural boundaries if available
Separate team identification, 7 of each colour
Alternative: Team bands, coloured tags
Given to student referees for time management
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, wall clock
Visible to all teams for score tracking and motivation
Alternative: Whiteboard, clipboard charts
Key Vocabulary
A competition format where every team plays against every other team once
The organised positioning of players for attacking or defending phases
The moment when possession changes and teams must switch between attacking and defending
Using movement and positioning to create gaps in the defence for attacking opportunities
Reducing the time and space available to attacking players through coordinated defensive positioning
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
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