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Lesson 3 - Distance Over Time

Tactical Team Performance

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we use the three-step rule strategically to maintain forward momentum and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Communicate and devise tactics for attacking situations in tag rugby
Apply the 'taking distance not time' principle effectively when tagged
Change speed and direction to create try-scoring opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective use of the three-step rule to maintain forward momentum
Students will show tactical awareness in creating space for teammates
Students will communicate effectively to coordinate team attacks

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Rugby Equipment

1 per student (30 sets)

Pre-distribute around activity area, ensure tags are properly attached

Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands, scrunchies

Rugby Balls

8-10 balls

Check inflation and condition, have spares ready

Alternative: Touch rugby balls, foam rugby balls for beginners

Cones

20 cones

Mark out playing areas and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries

Bibs

15 of each colour (2 colours)

Separate into two distinct colours for easy team identification

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tags

Key Vocabulary

Three-step rule

When tagged, a player can either stop and pass within 3 seconds, or continue running for 3 steps before passing

Forward momentum

Maintaining progress towards the try line without losing ground

Taking distance not time

Choosing to run three steps forward rather than stopping and having three seconds to pass

Evasion

Moving to avoid being tagged by changing speed, direction or body position

Creating space

Moving defenders out of position to create gaps for teammates to attack

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tag rugby rules and gameplay
Fundamental passing and catching skills
Understanding of forward pass restrictions
Basic evasion techniques

Current Skills

Strategic use of three-step rule for forward momentum
Speed and direction changes for space creation
Tactical communication in attacking situations
Understanding when to take distance versus time

Next Steps

Advanced attacking patterns and set plays
Defensive positioning and counter-attacking
Game management and tactical decision-making
Leadership roles in competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

Student consistently chooses three steps over three seconds

Clear improvement in team's forward momentum during attacks

Effective communication leading to successful tries

Evidence of tactical planning during games

Key Teaching Points

Three forward steps maintain momentum better than three seconds stationary
Taking distance not time gives tactical advantage in attacking play
Speed and direction changes create space for teammates
Proper tagging technique ensures safety and fair play
Tactical communication improves team performance
Forward momentum prevents defensive reorganisation
Integration of skills requires practice under pressure

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they must always take three seconds when tagged - emphasise choice between time and distance
Belief that three steps must be small - teach that bigger steps gain more territory
Thinking direction changes should be gradual - emphasise sharp, decisive changes
Assuming stopping is safer - show how forward momentum creates better attacking opportunities
Misconception that only ball carrier matters - highlight importance of team support and communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide regular movement breaks, clear and simple instructions, positive reinforcement systems

dyspraxia

Break skills into smaller components, provide additional practice time, use larger balls, simplify movement patterns

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedules, use consistent routines, offer quiet zones when needed, give advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tags and balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, use sound cues for TAG calls

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for TAG calls, provide written rule summaries, ensure face-to-face communication, use hand signals and gestures

physical disability

Modify three-step rule to three hand touches or pushes, use seated positions where appropriate, adjust field size, provide alternative tagging methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting three steps and three seconds, estimating distances, measuring game areas, calculating scores and statistics

Science

Understanding forces in running and direction changes, momentum and acceleration concepts, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and field positioning, understanding directions and compass points, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, resilience when under pressure, leadership and responsibility, fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to provide feedback, position for maximum visibility during games, stay close during skill introduction

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent three-step rule application, note tactical understanding development, monitor safety and fair play

Intervention Points

Step in if students reverting to poor habits under pressure, support struggling students with additional coaching, manage competitive behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for three-step rule, show defensive organisation during explanations, demonstrate both good and poor examples

Verbal Cues

•'Three big steps forward!'
•'Keep that attack moving!'
•'Look for the space!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for full games, 20m x 30m for skill practice, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface suitable for running and direction changes, free from holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts for secure attachment and no sharp edges
•Inspect rugby balls for proper inflation and condition
•Ensure cones are visible and stable
•Verify bibs are clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during direction changes
•Trips and falls during evasion
•Tag-related injuries from improper technique
•Ball strikes during passing practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Emphasis on controlled contact and proper tagging technique
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular safety reminders during high-intensity phases

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during games
•Monitor fatigue levels affecting decision-making
•Watch for unsafe tagging or contact
•Ensure proper technique maintained under pressure

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear path to medical assistance, injury protocol understood by all