Lesson 1 - Supporting the Ball Carrier
Tactical Team Performance
•Year 6
•Tag Rugby
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How can we work as a team to create scoring opportunities and maintain possession in tag rugby?
Learning Objectives
- To play effectively in attack and defence by supporting the player with the ball
- To score points against opposition through tactical positioning
- To demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills
Key Outcomes
- Students will consistently support the ball carrier by staying in position behind them
- Students will score tries using effective team support patterns
- Students will communicate clearly with teammates during attacking play
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed at start, two different colours per student
Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts, fabric strips
Placed around activity areas, correctly inflated
Alternative: Foam rugby balls, size 3 rugby balls for smaller hands
Mixed colours for different areas and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope boundaries
For identifying teams during game situations
Alternative: Different coloured tag belts, team bands
Key Vocabulary
Positioning yourself to help the ball carrier by being available to receive a pass
A team shape where players form a diamond around the ball carrier for maximum support options
Keeping the ball moving and maintaining possession through passes and support
Different scoring areas on the pitch with varying point values
Passing the ball towards your own try line, which is legal in tag rugby
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from previous units
- Understanding of tag rugby rules and safety
- Experience with passing and catching in movement
Current Skills
- Supporting the ball carrier in diamond formation
- Moving to maintain support angles
- Communicating position to teammates
- Scoring in designated try areas
Next Steps
- Advanced attacking patterns
- Creating overlaps and gaps
- Defensive positioning and communication
- Set plays from different situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Support players must always stay behind the ball carrier to remain onside
- Communication is essential - call clearly when you want the ball or are making a pass
- Diamond formation provides maximum support options from different angles
- Quick position changes after each pass maintain effective support structure
- In attack, create space and options; in defence, pressure the ball and communicate
- Tactical awareness of scoring zones helps make better decisions about where to attack
- Teamwork and support are more important than individual brilliance
Common Misconceptions
- Support players can run ahead of the ball carrier - must stay behind to remain onside
- Only the ball carrier needs to think - all players must be aware and ready to support
- Passing forward is allowed - only backwards or sideways passes are legal in tag rugby
- The middle scoring zone is always the best option - sometimes outer zones are tactically better
- Individual skill is more important than teamwork - support and communication create success
- Tagging can be aggressive - it should be gentle and controlled for safety
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular praise and feedback, leadership roles to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Slower progression through skills, larger equipment where possible, additional practice time, partner support
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual activity schedule, quiet zones available, consistent instruction format
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for guidance and support
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for instructions, written key points displayed
physical disability
- Modified tagging rules (two-hand touch), seated passing options, alternative roles as coaches or scorers
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing specific sporting vocabulary, clear communication skills, following and giving instructions effectively
Maths
Calculating scores from different try zones, estimating distances and angles for support positioning, timing passes and movements
Science
Understanding forces in running and passing, body systems during exercise, physics of ball flight and catching
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, using directional language, mapping movement patterns around the pitch
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during skill development, central position during games to observe all pitches
Observation Focus
Watch for support positioning, communication quality, and safe play throughout
Intervention Points
Step in when support positioning breaks down, when communication stops, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing formation and positioning. Include students in demonstrations to show correct techniques.
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay behind the ball!'
- •'Call for the pass!'
- •'Move to support!'
- •'Diamond shape!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m for multiple activities, clear boundaries marked
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tag belts checked for secure velcro and no sharp edges
- •Rugby balls properly inflated and checked for damage
- •Cones stable and visible, not creating trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between running players
- •Falls during direction changes
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Overexertion in competitive situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
- •Progressive skill building from walking to running speed
- •Emphasis on controlled movement rather than maximum speed
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple groups simultaneously
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure tag belts remain secure throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required