Lesson 4 - Defending Tactics and Formations
Mastering Attack & Defence
•Year 6
•Tag Rugby
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How can we work as a defensive unit to prevent the attacking team from scoring tries?
Learning Objectives
- To consolidate understanding of defending tactics and apply them in game situations
- To create and implement different defensive formations as a team
- To understand individual roles within a defensive system
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate secure knowledge of tag rugby defending rules and tactics
- Students will work collaboratively to create and apply effective defensive formations
- Students will evaluate and improve their defensive tactics based on game performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Ensure tags are securely attached and easily removable
Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into waistbands if tag belts unavailable
Check balls are properly inflated and safe for use
Alternative: Foam balls for safety, oval-shaped balls if rugby balls unavailable
Mark try lines, sidelines, and key tactical positions
Alternative: Markers, spot markers, or training poles
Ensure clear team identification for players and referees
Alternative: Team bands or different coloured tags
Brief referees on key signals and rules
Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable
Key Vocabulary
The organised shape and positioning of defending players to prevent attacks
Closing down space and time for the attacking team to make decisions
Talking to teammates to coordinate defensive movements and positioning
Quickly getting back into defensive formation after a tag has been made
A fast, aggressive defensive formation where all players move forward together
A defensive pattern where players move across the field following the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Understanding basic tag rugby rules and tagging technique
- Individual defensive skills and positioning
- Basic teamwork and communication in games
Current Skills
- Creating and applying defensive formations
- Coordinated team defending
- Tactical awareness and adaptation
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play combining attack and defence
- Leadership roles in competitive situations
- Complex game analysis and strategic planning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defensive formations require all players to work as a coordinated unit
- Communication is essential for effective team defending
- Quick reorganisation after tags is crucial for continued defensive pressure
- Different formations work better in different game situations
- Individual defensive skills must be combined with tactical understanding
- Pressure on attackers reduces their time and space for decision making
- Defensive discipline and patience often leads to attacking opportunities
Common Misconceptions
- Defence is just about individual tagging - actually requires coordinated team work
- All defensive formations work equally in all situations - different tactics suit different scenarios
- Communication isn't important in defence - actually essential for coordination
- Good defence is passive - actually requires active pressure and positioning
- Defensive roles are fixed - actually require adaptation based on game flow
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear specific roles within defence, frequent position changes to maintain engagement, shorter activity bursts with breaks
dyspraxia
- Simplified formations initially, additional practice time for positioning, clear visual markers for positions, partner support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine for defensive practice, visual formation cards, quiet planning space away from noise, structured role within team
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of formations, buddy system for positioning, audio cues for defensive calls
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for defensive calls, clear demonstrations of formations, written tactical plans, use of hand signals
physical disability
- Modified tagging from seated position, adapted formations with additional support roles, use of wheelchair-friendly space
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Understanding angles and spacing in defensive formations, measuring distances between players, calculating areas covered by different formations
Science
Forces and motion in defensive movements, understanding momentum and stopping attackers, physics of tag pulling
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding field geography and territorial control, mapping defensive zones
PSHE
Leadership roles within teams, making decisions under pressure, resilience when defending lead, cooperation and communication
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between both playing areas to observe all students, position to see both games during main activity
Observation Focus
Watch for effective defensive formations, quality of communication, and tactical understanding demonstrated
Intervention Points
Step in if defensive tactics break down completely, if safety issues arise, or if teams need tactical guidance
Demonstration Notes
Use students to demonstrate formations, show defensive movements at walking pace first then increase speed
Verbal Cues
- •'Hold the line!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
- •'Get back onside quickly!'
- •'Stay connected as a unit!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Two playing pitches approximately 25m x 20m each with clear boundaries marked
Surface Check
Dry, level grass or artificial surface free from holes, debris or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts are securely fastened but release easily when pulled
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Verify balls are properly inflated and safe for contact
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during fast defensive movements
- •Slips and falls on playing surface, especially during quick direction changes
- •Aggressive or dangerous tagging technique
- •Overexertion during high-intensity game periods
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear rules about safe tagging technique - pull tags, don't grab players
- •Emphasis on controlled defensive movement rather than rushing
- •Regular hydration breaks during games
- •Clear boundaries to prevent running into obstacles
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic defending
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe both games simultaneously
- •Actively monitor tagging technique and intervene if unsafe
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safe play
- •Ensure referees understand and apply safety rules
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed