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Lesson 6 - Tournament Analysis

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 observation and analysis to improve our team's performance in competitive Tag Rugby?

Learning Objectives

To work as a team to implement defending and attacking strategies in competitive situations
To demonstrate and apply all Tag Rugby skills learned throughout the unit in tournament play
To observe, analyse, and provide constructive feedback on peer performance

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply tactical knowledge in competitive Tag Rugby matches
Students will demonstrate improved teamwork and communication during tournament play
Students will provide specific, constructive feedback to help peers improve their performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 set per student (30 sets)

Pre-sorted into team colours, checked for secure attachment

Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands, fabric strips as tags

Rugby Balls

4-6 balls

Properly inflated and ready at each pitch area

Alternative: Foam rugby balls for safety, size 3 footballs

Cones

24 cones (6 per pitch)

Set up 4 pitches approximately 20m x 15m with try zones

Alternative: Flat markers, chalk lines on playground

Numbered Papers

6 sets

One per observing team with analysis sheets attached

Alternative: Laminated sheets with dry-wipe markers

Stopwatch

Visible to all teams for game timing

Alternative: Phone timer, visible countdown clock

First Aid Kit

Easily accessible at edge of playing area

Alternative: Basic supplies in teacher bag

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition where teams play multiple matches in a structured format

Round-robin

A tournament format where every team plays every other team once

Performance analysis

The process of observing and evaluating how someone plays to identify strengths and areas for improvement

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and why to use different strategies during gameplay

Constructive feedback

Helpful comments that focus on specific actions and suggest improvements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic Tag Rugby rules and gameplay
Fundamental passing, catching, and movement skills
Understanding of attacking and defending principles

Current Skills

Advanced tactical application in competitive situations
Performance analysis and peer coaching skills
Leadership and team management abilities

Next Steps

Transition to more complex invasion games
Development of coaching and officiating skills
Advanced tactical understanding across multiple sports

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of tactics under pressure

Ability to analyse and improve team performance

Demonstration of leadership qualities in competitive situations

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that both playing and analysing are equally valuable learning opportunities
Focus on specific, constructive feedback rather than general praise or criticism
Celebrate tactical development and decision-making, not just successful outcomes
Maintain positive competitive spirit while ensuring all students feel included and valued
Connect tournament skills to broader life skills of teamwork, leadership, and constructive communication
Recognise the progression from basic skills to competitive application and peer coaching
Use observation framework consistently to develop analytical thinking skills

Common Misconceptions

Only the tournament winners have been successful - address by celebrating all forms of achievement
Analysis and feedback are less important than playing - emphasise equal value of both roles
Competitive pressure means rules can be bent - reinforce importance of fair play throughout
Tactical play is too complex for this age group - show how tactics are just smart decisions
Feedback should focus on mistakes - teach positive feedback structure with improvement suggestions
Individual performance matters more than team success - emphasise collective achievement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tournament into shorter games with clear structure, provide movement opportunities between games, assign specific observation focus to maintain attention

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for position changes, provide simplified observation tasks, offer additional support with tag belt adjustment

autism spectrum

Provide clear, predictable tournament structure, offer quiet observation roles, give advance notice of position and role changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tags and balls, provide verbal commentary during games, assign sighted partner for observation activities

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written observation sheets, ensure face-to-face communication for feedback

physical disability

Adapt tagging rules for wheelchair users, provide modified pitches with channels, adjust team sizes to accommodate different mobility levels

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing vocabulary for performance analysis, practising constructive feedback and communication skills, using descriptive language to explain observations

Maths

Calculating tournament points and league tables, measuring pitch dimensions and distances, timing games and analysing statistical performance

Science

Understanding body systems under competitive pressure, analysing movement efficiency and tactical decision-making, exploring teamwork dynamics

PSHE

Building leadership skills and confidence, learning to give and receive constructive feedback, developing resilience in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate constantly between pitches to monitor both competitive play and quality of peer analysis, maintaining overview of entire tournament

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, leadership behaviours, quality of peer feedback, and maintenance of positive competitive spirit throughout

Intervention Points

Step in for rule disputes, provide guidance on analysis techniques, support students struggling with feedback, manage competitive emotions

Demonstration Notes

Model high-quality feedback when needed, demonstrate tactical concepts if teams are struggling, show examples of good sportsmanship and leadership

Verbal Cues

•'Remember the skills we've practised all unit!'
•'Great analysis - be specific about what you observed!'
•'Show me those tactics we discussed!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship - that's how champions behave!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area (minimum 60m x 40m) for multiple pitches with clear boundaries and adequate space between games

Surface Check

Dry, level grass or hard surface free from holes, debris, or other hazards that could cause injury during competitive play

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts are secure and tags are properly attached
•Ensure rugby balls are properly inflated and not damaged
•Verify cones are in good condition with no sharp edges
•Check clipboards and pens are safe for sideline use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive play
•Trips and falls during fast-paced tournament matches
•Overexertion due to multiple games in succession
•Disputes or aggressive behaviour due to competitive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pitch boundaries marked to prevent collisions between different games
•Adequate rest periods between games for each team
•Continuous supervision with teacher circulating between pitches
•Clear rules about physical contact and tagging procedures
•Established signals for stopping play immediately if needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple pitches simultaneously
•Monitor energy levels and hydration throughout tournament
•Watch for signs of frustration or aggressive behaviour
•Ensure fair play and rule adherence across all matches

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal for all games, clear access routes for first aid, designated meeting point for emergency situations