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Lesson 5 - Transition from Attack to Defence

Tactical Team Performance

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can effective communication and quick decision-making help us successfully transition from attacking to defending positions?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective communication skills when transitioning from attack to defence in tag rugby
To use agility and speed to help defend effectively after losing possession
To understand and apply the concept of 'turnover' in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will communicate clearly with teammates during transitions using appropriate voice commands
Students will demonstrate quick defensive positioning after losing possession
Students will show improved game understanding through effective turnover situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

30 (1 per student)

Check all belts have 2 tags attached before lesson

Alternative: Coloured bands or fabric strips

Rugby Balls

6-8

Inflate to correct pressure, distribute around playing area

Alternative: Foam balls for safety

Coloured Bibs

15 (2 colours)

Sort into two distinct colour sets for team identification

Alternative: Team bands or coloured tops

Cones

20-30

Use to mark boundaries and zones clearly

Alternative: Markers or spots

Stopwatch

For timing activities and game segments

Alternative: Mobile phone timer

Key Vocabulary

Turnover

When the attacking team loses possession and becomes the defending team

Transition

The process of changing from attacking to defending positions

Defensive Line

Players positioned across the width of the pitch to prevent attacking progress

Magic Diamond

An attacking formation with four players in diamond shape, ball carrier at front

Captain

The designated team leader responsible for organising defensive positions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tag rugby rules and gameplay
Individual tagging and evasion skills
Simple attacking formations like the Magic Diamond

Current Skills

Transitioning from attack to defence
Effective communication during turnovers
Defensive line formation and positioning

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies and patterns
Counter-attacking from defensive positions
Leadership roles in competitive tag rugby matches

Milestone Indicators

Quick recognition of turnover situations

Clear verbal communication during transitions

Organised defensive line formation within 5 seconds of turnover

Key Teaching Points

Turnover recognition is the foundation of effective transition - emphasise the moment roles change
Captain communication must be immediate, loud, and clear - practice these specific skills repeatedly
Defensive line formation across pitch width prevents easy attacking progress
Quick transitions (under 5 seconds) give teams the best chance of successful defence
Trust between captain and teammates is essential - both leadership and followership are important
Eye contact and spatial awareness help captains make better positioning decisions
Practice in controlled drills transfers to improved performance in competitive games

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Only the captain needs to communicate' - Correction: All players should communicate, captain coordinates
Misconception: 'Defensive line should bunch together' - Correction: Spread across full pitch width to cover space
Misconception: 'Transitions can be slow if we're careful' - Correction: Speed is crucial to prevent easy attacking success
Misconception: 'Anyone can be captain anytime' - Correction: Clear captain designation prevents confusion and improves organisation
Misconception: 'Turnover only happens when tagged' - Correction: Forward passes and other errors also create turnovers

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Allow extra processing time for position changes, provide simplified movement patterns, use peer support for complex formations

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for lesson segments, offer quiet space if sensory overload occurs

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bibs and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of spatial arrangements, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures for communication, provide written instructions, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt movement requirements to walking pace, use wheelchair-accessible positions, modify tagging to gentle touch on shoulder

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing clear communication skills, learning and using specific sporting vocabulary, expressing tactical ideas

Science

Understanding forces and momentum in collision situations, reaction time and decision-making processes

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions for defensive lines

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork and cooperation, building confidence in communication

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally during demonstrations, move between groups during practice, maintain overview during games

Observation Focus

Communication quality between teammates, speed and organisation of defensive transitions, leadership development

Intervention Points

Step in if defensive transitions are taking too long, provide support for struggling captains, ensure safety rules are followed

Demonstration Notes

Use confident body language when showing captain roles, exaggerate communication gestures for clarity, show enthusiasm for teamwork

Verbal Cues

•'Turnover - change roles now!'
•'Captain, organise your line!'
•'Quick transition - 5 seconds!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for full lesson, with additional 5m safety zones around perimeter

Surface Check

Level grass or artificial surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts for secure attachment and no damage
•Ensure rugby balls are properly inflated and have no visible damage
•Verify all cones are stable and have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during transition phases when students move quickly
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Over-enthusiastic tagging leading to contact injuries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pitch boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Emphasis on controlled movement during transition drills
•Regular reinforcement of gentle tagging technique
•Appropriate warm-up to prepare muscles for quick movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both 8v8 games during competitive phase
•Monitor transition drills for safe movement patterns
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting decision-making

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed