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Lesson 2 - Set Plays and Attacking Tactics

Tactical Team Performance

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Check belts are secure before activity begins

Alternative: Fabric strips or bandanas tucked into waistbands

Rugby Balls

8-10 balls

Balls should be correctly inflated for safe handling

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better handling

Coloured Bibs

15 (for defenders)

Bright colours for easy identification during games

Alternative: Different coloured tops or pinnards

Cones

20 cones

Mark boundaries, start/finish lines, and team areas

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Sun Markers

1 set

For drawing set play diagrams and tactical discussions

Alternative: Large paper and thick markers

Key Vocabulary

Set Play

A pre-planned sequence of passes and movements designed to create attacking opportunities

Scissors

A set play where the ball carrier changes direction and passes to a teammate running behind

Around the World

A set play involving a loop pass where the initial passer runs around behind teammates

Pop Pass

A short, quick pass delivered at chest height to maintain momentum

Dummy Runner

A player who runs a line to deceive defenders but doesn't receive the ball

Support Play

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

Students can execute set plays with 70% success rate

Teams show improved try-scoring through tactical play

Students demonstrate leadership in organising team activities

Evidence of tactical discussions during game situations

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