Tag Rugby Skills & Tactics
•Year 8
•Rugby
•Distributed around perimeter of grid area, inflated to correct pressure for Year 8 (check firmness)
Alternative: Size 4 rugby balls for smaller hands, foam rugby balls for students with grip difficulties
Used to mark grid boundaries (10m x 10m grids), end zones, and starting positions for relay activities
Alternative: Marker spots, dome cones for lower trip hazard
Check velcro fastening is secure, two tags per belt positioned on hips
Alternative: Bib tucked in waistband if tag belts unavailable
Attached to belts before lesson, spares available for replacements
Alternative: Different coloured tags to identify teams
For team identification in game application phase
Alternative: None required if students have different coloured PE kit
For clear start/stop signals and safety control
Alternative: Loud voice command if whistle unavailable
For timing competitive relay tasks and managing activity durations
Alternative: Smartphone timer, visible clock
A short, quick pass delivered at chest height over a very short distance, often used in contact situations
A pass delivered above chest height, used to pass over defenders or to receivers who are positioned higher
A pass delivered below waist height, often used to avoid interception or when receiver is lower down
The precise delivery of the ball to the intended target, hitting the receiver in their target zone
Visual communication between passer and receiver to signal readiness and intended direction
Illegal positioning where a defender is within 2 metres of the tagged player before the pass is made
Hand positioning on the ball where fingers and thumbs create a W shape for maximum control
The swinging motion of bringing the ball from the hip across the body when passing
The position and body shape a receiver creates to give the passer a clear aiming point
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Following complex multi-step instructions, using and understanding technical vocabulary (pop pass, offside, diagonal), verbal communication during games, explaining rules and techniques to others, active listening during demonstrations and instructions, descriptive language during reflection (articulating what they learned)
Counting successful passes in competitive task, timing activities in seconds/minutes, measuring 2-metre offside distance, calculating penalty time additions (2 seconds per drop), spatial awareness and geometry (diagonal lines, angles of passing), data handling (recording competitive task scores across multiple attempts), comparing and ordering (highest score, fastest time)
Forces acting on rugby ball during passing (push force from hands, gravity, air resistance affecting flight), friction between hands and ball affecting grip and control, body systems during exercise (cardiovascular system - heart rate increase during warm-up and decrease during cool-down, respiratory system - breathing rate changes), muscles used in passing action (biceps, triceps, core muscles, shoulder muscles), trajectory and projectile motion of passes, Newton's third law (action-reaction when passing ball)
Directions and spatial awareness (left, right, forward, backward, diagonal), mapping movement patterns across playing area, understanding relative positioning (2 metres behind, diagonally ahead), creating and maintaining spatial formations (diagonal lines, triangle formations)
Teamwork and cooperation throughout lesson, communication skills (verbal and non-verbal), resilience when facing challenges or making errors, managing emotions during competitive activities, honesty and integrity (self-policing forward passes, honest self-assessment), leadership opportunities (demonstrating, coaching peers, organising equipment), respect for others (following rules, supporting teammates, fair play), growth mindset (seeing errors as learning opportunities, persistence through difficulty)
Stand at corner of playing area for maximum visibility during warm-up and skill development, circulate between grids during small group work, position at edge of game area where all grids visible during game application, move to front for demonstrations and cool-down reflection
Watch for correct W-shape grip and hand positioning during passing practice, monitor spin quality on ball (should spin backward toward passer), check diagonal spacing during movement activities, observe offside compliance during games (defenders retreating 2 metres), assess communication through eye contact and verbal calls, monitor effort and engagement levels throughout, identify students requiring additional support or extension challenges, note safety concerns (heads down, collision risks, aggressive play)
Step in immediately if safety risk identified (aggressive tagging, potential collision, dangerous play), intervene when fundamental technique breaking down (loss of W-shape, forward passing, no spin), provide coaching when students appear stuck or frustrated, redirect activities if engagement dropping, adjust difficulty if task too easy or too hard for group, clarify rules if confusion evident during games, mediate conflicts between students promptly, modify activities for students struggling significantly
Demonstrate all new techniques slowly first then at game speed, use student volunteers for demonstrations where possible (builds confidence and shows peer achievement), show both correct and incorrect versions for contrast (exaggerate errors for clarity), break down complex skills into component parts (seven teaching points taught sequentially), use verbal commentary during demonstrations ('Watch my hands... see the W-shape... now the rock motion...'), position all students where they can see clearly (semi-circle formation), repeat demonstrations for different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic), invite questions after demonstrations to check understanding
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or full sports hall indoors, clear of obstacles, adequate boundary marking, sufficient space for multiple grids with 3-5m separation
Dry, even surface free from hazards (holes, debris, wet patches), suitable for dynamic movement and safe for seated stretches, grass or sports hall floor appropriate
Immediate STOP command using whistle and loud voice, assess situation quickly, appropriate first aid response for minor injuries (ice, rest, elevation), send responsible student to fetch additional adult support if needed for serious injuries, rest of class moved to safe area under control if emergency requires extended attention, accident report completed according to school policy, parent/carer contacted for any injuries beyond minor bumps/scrapes
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