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Lesson 3 - Attacking Tactics

Mastering Attack & Defence

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we outwit defenders using clever attacking tactics and teamwork?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate understanding of attacking tactics and apply them in game situations
To demonstrate accurate passing and moving skills under pressure
To create and evaluate effective team attacking formations

Key Outcomes

Students will combine passing and moving to score tries consistently
Students will create and apply a range of attacking tactics in 7v7 games
Students will understand and execute their specific role within team attacks

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

30 (2 per student)

Different colours for each team, stored in team boxes

Alternative: Bandanas or bibs tucked into shorts

Rugby Balls

4-6 balls

Properly inflated, distributed around pitch perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 or 4 rugby balls, foam balls for beginners

Cones

20 cones

Mark pitch boundaries and try lines clearly

Alternative: Markers, corner flags

Bibs

15 bibs (different colours)

For team identification and officials

Alternative: Team bands, coloured tags

Sun Markers

1 set

For tactical discussions and demonstrations

Alternative: Ground markings, chalk

Key Vocabulary

Attacking tactics

Planned strategies and formations used by the team with possession to score tries

Loop pass

A pass where the player runs around behind the receiver to take a return pass

Miss pass

A pass that deliberately misses one player to reach a player further along the line

Supporting the ball carrier

Staying close enough to receive a pass while providing attacking options

Offside

When a player is ahead of the ball carrier or not 3 metres back after a tag

Free pass

Uncontested possession awarded when the attacking team is tagged

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching skills with both hands
Understanding of tag rugby basic rules and safety
Simple running and evading skills
Basic game play experience in smaller formats

Current Skills

Creating and applying attacking formations
Advanced passing techniques (loop pass, miss pass)
Supporting the ball carrier effectively
Tactical decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Combining attacking and defensive tactics
Officiating games independently
Creating complex set plays and strategies
Tournament play with advanced rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passing to moving targets

Successful creation of tries through planned attacks

Clear understanding of individual tactical roles

Ability to adapt tactics mid-game

Key Teaching Points

Loop pass technique: pass first, then run around behind receiver for return pass
Miss pass execution: throw over middle player who acts as dummy runner to confuse defence
Supporting the ball carrier: stay close enough to receive pass but spread to create options
Tactical communication: teams must talk to execute formations successfully
Role understanding: every player must know their specific job within team tactics
Adaptation skills: be ready to change tactics based on what opponents do
Fair play importance: respect rules, officials, and opponents to ensure everyone enjoys the game

Common Misconceptions

That tactics are only for advanced players - correct by showing simple formations work for everyone
That individual skill is more important than teamwork - emphasise how tactics multiply individual abilities
That advanced passes should be attempted all the time - teach when and why to use them appropriately
That faster always means better - demonstrate how controlled pace allows better decision making
That winning is the only measure of success - focus on skill development and tactical understanding
That physical contact is allowed in tag rugby - reinforce non-contact nature and proper tagging technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tactical planning into shorter segments, provide clear roles and responsibilities, use movement-based learning strategies

dyspraxia

Use larger, easier-to-catch balls, simplify formations initially, provide extra practice time for advanced passing techniques

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for tactical planning time, use visual aids to explain formations, ensure quiet spaces available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tag belts and balls, provide detailed verbal descriptions of tactical formations, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations of tactics, establish hand signals for common plays, ensure written tactical plans are available

physical disability

Modify rules to allow walking instead of running, use wheelchair-accessible versions of activities, adjust pitch size as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating try scores and game statistics, measuring distances for pitch dimensions, angles of running lines and passing

Science

Forces and motion in passing and running, heart rate changes during exercise, teamwork as a biological concept

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping movement patterns, understanding of directional concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, leadership skills, managing emotions under pressure, respect and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of playing area for visibility of all activities, move between games during application phase

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, safe play, team communication, and individual understanding of concepts

Intervention Points

Step in if tactics become over-complicated, if students struggle with advanced passes, or if game play becomes too physical

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use students as examples for tactical concepts, exaggerate movements for clarity, connect new learning to previous skills

Verbal Cues

•'Show me your formation!'
•'Where's your support?'
•'Use your tactics!'
•'Communicate with your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 60m x 40m for two pitches, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Level, dry grass or artificial surface free from holes, debris, or water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts checked for worn or damaged velcro
•Rugby balls properly inflated and no damaged panels
•Cones positioned to avoid collision hazards
•Ensure spare equipment available for breakages

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during game play
•Falls due to rapid direction changes or wet conditions
•Tag belt injuries from improper pulling technique
•Ball strikes to head or body during passing

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules established for safe tagging technique
•Adequate spacing between game areas to prevent collisions
•Progressive skill building from slow to game pace
•Regular breaks to prevent fatigue-related incidents
•Proper warm-up and cool-down to prevent muscle injuries

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between the two game areas for maximum visibility
•Monitor high-intensity moments and intervene if necessary
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure officials understand safety responsibilities

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek further medical assistance, complete incident report if required