Individual Skills to Team Play
•Year 8
•Tag Rugby
•Check all velcro is functional before lesson, distribute at start of warm-up
Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands can substitute in emergency
Check inflation levels, place around perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands, foam rugby balls for confidence building
Mark out activity areas, boundaries and try zones clearly
Alternative: Markers, spots or chalk lines
Distributed during plenary with pens, kept at side during active phases
Alternative: Paper and clipboards, tablets for recording observations
Use consistent whistle patterns for stop/start/transition
Alternative: Voice commands, visual signals
A score in rugby achieved by placing the ball on or beyond the try line with downward pressure
Movement techniques used to avoid being caught or tagged by an opponent
Velcro strip attached to belt that opponents remove to simulate a tackle in tag rugby
The skill of carrying, controlling and placing the rugby ball safely and effectively
Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or moving freely
Varying running speed to deceive opponents - accelerating or decelerating suddenly
Using upper body movement to deceive opponents about intended direction of movement
Understanding where you are in relation to others, boundaries and equipment
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
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...'
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.