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Big Question

How can mastering evasion and ball handling skills transform your ability to create and exploit space in rugby?

Learning Objectives

  • To know how to hold the ball correctly for passing and scoring
  • To understand how to score a try using proper technique
  • To demonstrate different dodging and evasion methods effectively

Key Outcomes

  • Students will be able to handle a rugby ball safely and score a try with correct technique
  • Students will demonstrate at least three different evasion techniques to avoid being tagged
  • Students will apply evasion and ball handling skills in conditioned game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts
1 per student (30 sets)

Check all velcro is functional before lesson, distribute at start of warm-up

Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands can substitute in emergency

Rugby Balls
3.5 (initially), 1 per pair (15 balls)

Check inflation levels, place around perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands, foam rugby balls for confidence building

Cones
20-30 cones

Mark out activity areas, boundaries and try zones clearly

Alternative: Markers, spots or chalk lines

Whiteboards
1 per student (30)

Distributed during plenary with pens, kept at side during active phases

Alternative: Paper and clipboards, tablets for recording observations

Whistles
1

Use consistent whistle patterns for stop/start/transition

Alternative: Voice commands, visual signals

Key Vocabulary

Try

A score in rugby achieved by placing the ball on or beyond the try line with downward pressure

Evasion

Movement techniques used to avoid being caught or tagged by an opponent

Tag

Velcro strip attached to belt that opponents remove to simulate a tackle in tag rugby

Ball handling

The skill of carrying, controlling and placing the rugby ball safely and effectively

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or moving freely

Change of pace

Varying running speed to deceive opponents - accelerating or decelerating suddenly

Body feint

Using upper body movement to deceive opponents about intended direction of movement

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to others, boundaries and equipment

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic understanding of team games and tag rules from KS2
  • Experience with running, dodging and changing direction in games
  • Fundamental ball handling skills with various equipment

Current Skills

  • Correct rugby ball handling technique for carrying and scoring
  • Multiple evasion strategies including sidestepping, change of pace and body feints
  • Spatial awareness when evading opponents in dynamic situations
  • Teamwork and communication in partner and small group activities

Next Steps

  • Passing techniques including lateral and backward passes
  • Applying evasion skills in competitive rugby situations
  • Offensive and defensive strategies in touch rugby games
  • Advanced try scoring in contested situations

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent correct ball placement when scoring tries
2
Successful evasion in at least 60% of tagging situations
3
Smooth transitions between ball handling and evasion movements
4
Effective communication and support play with teammates

Key Teaching Points

  • Try scoring technique: bend knees, both hands on ball, firm downward pressure, ball must not bounce away
  • Ball pickup safety: bend knees not back, keep back straight, scoop with both hands, eyes on ball throughout
  • Effective evasion requires watching opponent's hips not eyes, staying light on balls of feet, using quick changes of direction
  • Tag removal must be controlled - smooth pull from base of tag, no pushing, grabbing clothing or excessive force
  • Communication is essential for teamwork - verbal calls, eye contact, clear instructions to teammates
  • Spatial awareness: use the whole area, move into gaps, avoid collisions by scanning constantly
  • Ball carrying: secure at chest with both hands, fingers spread across ball, ready to place down or pass

Common Misconceptions

  • Misconception: 'You can score a try by dropping the ball over the line.' Correction: 'You must place it down with control and downward pressure using both hands.'
  • Misconception: 'Evasion is just about running fast.' Correction: 'Evasion is about quick changes of direction, changes of pace, and deceiving opponents - not just speed.'
  • Misconception: 'Watch the opponent's eyes to see where they're going.' Correction: 'Watch their hips - eyes and head can fake, but hips show true direction of movement.'
  • Misconception: 'In tag rugby you can tackle people.' Correction: 'Tag rugby is non-contact - you only remove tags, never physical contact with the person.'
  • Misconception: 'It doesn't matter how you pick up the ball.' Correction: 'Incorrect pickup with straight legs and bent back can cause serious injury - always bend knees and keep back straight.'
  • Misconception: 'Rugby is only for strong, big people.' Correction: 'Rugby and tag rugby reward agility, speed, quick thinking and teamwork just as much as size or strength. Everyone can excel.'
  • Misconception: 'Once you're tagged you're out of the game.' Correction: 'In our games, you can be freed by teammates scoring tries - teamwork keeps everyone involved.'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Short, varied activities maintain engagement and focus. Clear boundaries marked distinctly with bright cones. Regular movement and high activity levels suit energy needs. Immediate, specific feedback frequently given. Position near teacher for easy redirection and support. Use of student's name to gain attention. Visual and kinesthetic learning opportunities throughout. Allow brief breaks if hyperfocus breaks or frustration occurs. Channel energy into leadership or demonstration roles. Clear, simple instructions one step at a time.
dyspraxia
  • Allow extra practice time for skill development - motor planning challenges mean more repetition needed. Use larger, lighter balls initially - easier to handle and control. Reduce speed of activities initially, gradually building up. Break skills into smaller, manageable steps with explicit teaching. Use visual demonstrations and physical guidance (with permission). Simplified movement patterns initially before adding complexity. Avoid activities requiring quick, complex sequencing until confidence built. Partner with patient, supportive peer. Celebrate effort over perfect execution. Allow use of written reminders for sequences.
autism spectrum
  • Provide visual schedule showing lesson structure and timings for predictability. Clear, concrete rules displayed visually. Reduce sensory overwhelm - quieter start, gradual build of intensity. Allow use of headphones or ear defenders if noise sensitivity. Quiet zone available if becoming overwhelmed. Consistent routines and familiar structures. Use of visual timers to show activity duration. Partner with understanding peer. Allow movement breaks if needed. Advance warning of transitions between activities.
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured or textured rugby balls that contrast with floor surface. Provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations with step-by-step guidance. Use auditory cues - bells on balls, verbal markers for boundaries. Buddy system with sighted guide for evasion activities. Reduce playing area size for easier navigation. Use tactile markers (rope, textured cones) for boundaries. Allow extra time for skill practice. Position near teacher for clear verbal instructions.
hearing impairment
  • Ensure student can always see teacher's face for lip-reading - position at front during demonstrations. Use visual demonstrations extensively rather than verbal only. Written instructions provided on cards or board. Hand signals established for key commands - stop, go, good work. Buddy system for ensuring instructions understood. Visual whistle alternative - raise coloured flag or cone. Check understanding by asking student to demonstrate back. Reduce background noise where possible.
physical disability
  • Modify tag rugby to seated version using wheelchairs or chairs - tag belts worn on wheels or chair backs. Adjust activity area size to match mobility level. Use lightweight or foam balls for easier handling. Modified try scoring - placing ball in hoop or basket at appropriate height. Partner support for stability if needed. Allow use of mobility aids throughout. Ensure activity area wheelchair accessible with smooth surface. Adapted evasion activities - upper body movements, directional changes appropriate to mobility.

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary acquisition - learning rugby-specific terminology. Following and giving clear instructions develops comprehension and communication. Verbal communication during team discussions and feedback. Written communication during reflection activities on whiteboards. Listening skills when receiving instructions and watching demonstrations. Evaluative language when assessing performance - 'effective because...', 'could improve by...'

Maths

Counting successful evasions and tags during activities provides data handling practice. Measuring distances for activity areas reinforces measurement skills. Calculating percentages of successful tries scored. Understanding angles of running and movement - acute angles for tight turns, obtuse for wider arcs. Timing activities develops understanding of seconds and minutes. Spatial reasoning when considering positioning and movement patterns.

Science

Understanding forces during evasion - acceleration, deceleration, friction between feet and ground. Learning about body systems - cardiovascular system working harder during exercise (increased heart rate), respiratory system (breathing rate increases), muscular system (contraction and relaxation). Energy for exercise comes from food - link to nutrition. Understanding lever systems in body - legs as levers during running. Balance and centre of gravity when changing direction.

Computing

Video analysis uses technology to support learning. Could extend by recording students and reviewing their own performance. Understanding how motion capture technology works in professional sport analysis. Data collection about performance could be inputted into spreadsheets or databases. Patterns in successful evasion strategies could be analysed algorithmically.

Geography

Directional language and spatial awareness - moving north/south/east/west in space. Understanding use of space strategically - creating and exploiting space similar to resource distribution. Mapping movement patterns - if activities recorded from above would create maps. Environmental awareness if outdoor lesson - weather conditions affecting surface, adaptation to environment.

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation essential throughout lesson - learning to work effectively with others. Managing emotions during competitive activities - resilience when tagged, graciousness in winning. Building confidence through skill development and success experiences. Communication skills developed through partner and team activities. Respect for others - following rules, fair play, supporting all abilities. Physical health benefits of regular exercise. Mental health benefits - enjoyment, stress relief, sense of achievement.

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner or edge of activity area with back to wall, providing maximum visibility of all students. Avoid standing in centre which blocks view. During demonstrations, position students in semicircle facing you with light behind you for visibility. Move around perimeter during activities to observe from different angles. Position yourself to see both taggers and evaders during games.

Observation Focus

Watch for: 1) Correct technique execution - try scoring with bent knees, safe pickup form. 2) Effective evasion - use of sidesteps, changes of pace, spatial awareness. 3) Safety - appropriate spacing, controlled movements, tag removal not aggressive. 4) Engagement - all students active and involved, no one sitting out. 5) Teamwork - communication, support, encouragement. 6) Fatigue - signs students need recovery break.

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately when: 1) Any unsafe behaviour observed - stop activity completely. 2) Tag removal becomes aggressive or rough. 3) Technique breakdown - use freeze technique to correct. 4) Students off-task or not understanding - re-explain and demonstrate. 5) Uneven participation - some students dominating, others passive. 6) Rule confusion affecting fair play. 7) Fatigue causing safety concerns. Use 'FREEZE' command to stop all action for teaching moments.

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate new skills slowly first, then at full speed. Use student demonstrations wherever possible - builds confidence and shows attainability. Narrate throughout demonstrations explaining what you're doing and why. Position all students where they can see clearly. Demonstrate common mistakes first, then contrast with correct technique. Exaggerate key points for visibility. Ask students 'What did you notice?' after demonstrations to check understanding. Repeat demonstrations as needed - some students need multiple views to internalize.

Verbal Cues
  • 'Bend those knees!' - reminder for try scoring and pickup technique
  • 'Watch the hips not the eyes!' - evasion tracking tip
  • 'Use the space!' - encourage spatial awareness
  • 'Quick feet!' - prompt for agile evasion footwork
  • 'Both hands!' - reminder for ball control
  • 'Talk to your team!' - prompt communication
  • 'Great effort!' - positive reinforcement throughout
  • 'Freeze!' - instant stop command for safety or teaching

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum indoor space of 20m x 25m (sports hall) or outdoor marked pitch area. Clear of obstacles, walls padded if indoor. Adequate space for all students to move freely without collision risk - minimum 0.8 square metres per student during games.

Surface Check

Dry, even, non-slip surface essential. Check for any trip hazards, debris, or wet patches before lesson. If outdoor, check for holes, uneven ground, or stones. Mark any hazardous areas with cones and avoid.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Tag belts inspected before use - velcro functional, no tears or sharp edges, adjustable straps working
  • Rugby balls correctly inflated - not over-inflated (bounce unpredictably) or under-inflated (difficult to handle)
  • Cones stable and weighted if windy, no sharp edges or cracks
  • Mini whiteboards and pens non-toxic and age-appropriate
  • Whistle with breakaway lanyard for teacher safety

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between students during evasion activities
  • Slips, trips and falls during rapid direction changes
  • Injury from incorrect lifting technique when picking up balls
  • Tag belt discomfort if too tight or injury from pulling if too rough
  • Balls creating trip hazards if left on floor
  • Overexertion in high-intensity games without adequate breaks
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established with cones and explained before activities
  • Adequate spacing between pairs and groups during all activities - minimum 3m
  • Progressive skill building from walking to jogging to full speed
  • Explicit teaching of safe pickup technique emphasising bent knees
  • Monitoring tag removal to ensure controlled, appropriate force only
  • Regular ball collection and redistribution to prevent accumulation
  • Built-in recovery periods between high-intensity activities
  • Teacher positioning for maximum visibility of all students throughout lesson
  • Stop signal (whistle and 'FREEZE') established and practiced
  • Students reminded to look where they're moving and be aware of others

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position at perimeter with back to wall for full visibility of activity area
  • Constantly scan whole area not focusing on one group
  • Move around perimeter during activities to observe from multiple angles
  • During games, position where you can see all students and potential hazard areas
  • Listen as well as watch - identify any distress, arguments or safety concerns
  • Intervene immediately for any unsafe behaviour - use stop signal
  • Monitor fatigue levels - students making mistakes may need recovery break
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately using whistle and 'STOP' command. Assess injured student without moving them if serious. Send reliable student to get first aider or emergency support. Keep other students safe, calm and seated away from incident. Administer basic first aid only if qualified. Complete accident report form. Contact parents/guardians if required. Do not continue lesson until situation resolved and safe to do so.