Lesson 2 - Set Plays and Attacking Tactics
Tactical Team Performance
•Year 6
•Tag Rugby
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use rehearsed moves to outsmart the opposition and create attacking opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- Devise and execute a warm-up activity incorporating short passing skills
- Perform coordinated set plays (scissors and around the world) from free passes
- Evaluate and suggest tactical improvements to attacking set plays
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness through successful execution of set plays
- Students will show leadership by creating and leading warm-up activities
- Students will apply critical thinking to improve team attacking strategies
Equipment & Resources Required
Check belts are secure before activity begins
Alternative: Fabric strips or bandanas tucked into waistbands
Balls should be correctly inflated for safe handling
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better handling
Bright colours for easy identification during games
Alternative: Different coloured tops or pinnards
Mark boundaries, start/finish lines, and team areas
Alternative: Markers or bean bags
For drawing set play diagrams and tactical discussions
Alternative: Large paper and thick markers
Key Vocabulary
A pre-planned sequence of passes and movements designed to create attacking opportunities
A set play where the ball carrier changes direction and passes to a teammate running behind
A set play involving a loop pass where the initial passer runs around behind teammates
A short, quick pass delivered at chest height to maintain momentum
A player who runs a line to deceive defenders but doesn't receive the ball
Players positioning themselves to help the ball carrier by offering passing options
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic passing and catching techniques from previous lessons
- Understanding of tag rugby rules and safe tagging
- Experience with running into space and supporting teammates
- Knowledge of attacking principles from Unit 1 and 2
Current Skills
- Coordinated team movements in set plays
- Timing of passes and runs in rehearsed sequences
- Creating and leading warm-up activities
- Tactical decision-making in attacking situations
Next Steps
- Advanced set plays with dummy runners and switches
- Defensive strategies to counter set plays
- Game management and tactical substitutions
- Tournament play with multiple tactical approaches
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Set plays require precise timing and coordination - start slowly and build pace
- Communication between players is crucial for successful execution
- The scissors move involves crossing runs behind the ball carrier
- Around the world requires the initial passer to loop around teammates
- Pop passes should be short (no more than one yard) and delivered at chest height
- Game application shows the real value of set plays in creating scoring opportunities
- Tactical decision-making about when to use set plays develops through experience
Common Misconceptions
- Set plays are too complicated for Year 6 - actually they love tactical challenges when taught progressively
- Speed is more important than accuracy - emphasise technique and timing before pace
- Only the ball carrier matters in set plays - all players have crucial roles to play
- If a set play doesn't work, it's failed - good attempts show tactical thinking even without success
- Set plays should be used all the time - tactical awareness includes knowing when NOT to use them
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement to maintain focus
dyspraxia
- Allow extra practice time, use slower progressions, provide additional demonstrations and support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for activity sequence, offer quiet space if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of movements, assign sighted buddy for support
hearing impairment
- Use visual hand signals for set plays, provide written diagrams, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt roles within set plays, use larger balls if needed, modify running requirements to walking pace
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following and giving complex instructions, tactical vocabulary development, explaining strategies to others
Maths
Calculating angles of runs in set plays, measuring distances for optimal positioning, timing sequences in seconds
Science
Understanding momentum and direction changes in movement, forces involved in passing, reaction times in coordinated activities
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding movement patterns and directions, mapping player positions
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when set plays don't work perfectly, communication skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around different practice groups to provide individual feedback, stand where you can see all teams during rotations
Observation Focus
Watch for timing in set plays, communication between players, tactical understanding demonstrated in games
Intervention Points
Step in if set plays becoming too rushed, if students showing frustration with unsuccessful attempts, if safety standards dropping
Demonstration Notes
Use whiteboard diagrams effectively, walk through movements slowly initially, provide positive specific feedback on good attempts
Verbal Cues
- •'Wait for the timing!' when players rushing set plays
- •'Communicate with your teammate!' when coordination lacking
- •'Great attempt, let's refine it!' to encourage continued effort
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m playing area with clear boundaries and adequate run-off space
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, stones, or other hazards that could cause slips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts are secure and tags hanging freely
- •Ensure rugby balls are correctly inflated for safe handling
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during crossing movements in set plays
- •Falls when changing direction quickly
- •Contact between students during tagging
- •Overexertion during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate space between activities
- •Walking pace initially when learning set plays
- •Emphasis on controlled tagging technique
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all practice areas
- •Monitor crossing movements during set plays carefully
- •Watch for fatigue and overheating during games
- •Ensure fair play and appropriate contact levels
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed