Lesson 3 - Distance Over Time
Tactical Team Performance
•Year 6
•Tag Rugby
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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
Pre-distribute around activity area, ensure tags are properly attached
Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands, scrunchies
Check inflation and condition, have spares ready
Alternative: Touch rugby balls, foam rugby balls for beginners
Mark out playing areas and boundaries clearly
Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries
Separate into two distinct colours for easy team identification
Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tags
Key Vocabulary
When tagged, a player can either stop and pass within 3 seconds, or continue running for 3 steps before passing
Maintaining progress towards the try line without losing ground
Choosing to run three steps forward rather than stopping and having three seconds to pass
Moving to avoid being tagged by changing speed, direction or body position
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
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