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Lesson 4 - Defending Tactics and Formations

Mastering Attack & Defence

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

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

Tag Belts

1 set per student (30 sets)

Ensure tags are securely attached and easily removable

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into waistbands if tag belts unavailable

Rugby Balls

2 (one per pitch)

Check balls are properly inflated and safe for use

Alternative: Foam balls for safety, oval-shaped balls if rugby balls unavailable

Cones

16 (8 per pitch)

Mark try lines, sidelines, and key tactical positions

Alternative: Markers, spot markers, or training poles

Coloured Bibs

14 (7 each colour)

Ensure clear team identification for players and referees

Alternative: Team bands or different coloured tags

Whistles

2 (one per referee)

Brief referees on key signals and rules

Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable

Key Vocabulary

Defensive Formation

The organised shape and positioning of defending players to prevent attacks

Pressure

Closing down space and time for the attacking team to make decisions

Communication

Talking to teammates to coordinate defensive movements and positioning

Reorganisation

Quickly getting back into defensive formation after a tag has been made

Blitz Defence

A fast, aggressive defensive formation where all players move forward together

Drift Defence

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

Teams maintain formation shape during defensive phases

Quick reorganisation after tags are made

Effective communication between defensive players

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