Individual Skills to Team Play
•Year 8
•Tag Rugby
•Stored in bag at side of playing area, distributed to groups as needed
Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands, foam rugby balls for less confident students
Used to mark grids (15m x 20m), try lines, and defensive start lines
Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural landmarks
Pre-distributed with 2 tags per belt, checked for secure Velcro
Alternative: Bib tucked into waistband if insufficient belts
Attached to belts on both hips, easily detachable
Alternative: Different coloured tags to identify teams
One team wears bibs for clear identification during games
Alternative: Teams vs skins if weather appropriate
Used for clear stop/start signals during activities
Alternative: Loud voice command
A coordinated line of defenders positioned side-by-side to prevent attacking progress
The organised structure and positioning of defensive players
Moving the defensive line towards attackers to reduce time and space
Positioning to protect space behind or beside teammates
Using defensive positioning and speed to force attackers into rushed decisions
Taking responsibility for a specific opponent or area of the playing space
Verbal and non-verbal signals used to coordinate defensive actions
Slowing attacking progress to allow defensive reorganisation
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Developing tactical vocabulary and subject-specific terminology. Articulating observations and justifications during reflection. Listening skills during peer presentations and discussions. Creating and delivering clear instructions as team captain. Using persuasive language to motivate teammates.
Calculating Auckland Grid scores using addition and subtraction. Measuring distances for grid setup and spacing calculations. Using angles and geometry to understand defensive formations and passing trajectories. Calculating percentages (successful tags vs attempts). Time management and duration tracking.
Understanding forces involved in changing direction quickly (friction, inertia). Heart rate and cardiovascular response to exercise intensity. Muscle function during sprinting, evading, and tagging. Energy systems (aerobic vs anaerobic) during different activity phases. Biomechanics of efficient running and movement.
Algorithmic thinking in designing set attacking plays with sequences of moves. Debugging strategies when plays don't work as planned. Pattern recognition in identifying defensive formations and attacking patterns. Logical reasoning in tactical decision-making.
Spatial awareness and understanding of territory in defensive play. Using directional language (north, south, lateral, forward). Mapping movement patterns and tactical plays. Understanding how space and terrain affect strategy.
Teamwork and collaboration in achieving shared defensive goals. Communication skills - verbal and non-verbal. Leadership and followership in team contexts. Resilience and emotional regulation during competition. Sportsmanship and respect for opponents. Self-awareness through reflection and goal-setting. Managing competition and pressure healthily.
Stand at corner or edge of playing area for maximum visibility of all students. During drills, position centrally to demonstrate clearly to both groups. During games, circulate around perimeter maintaining awareness of all action. Never turn back on active students.
Watch for: defensive line shape and integrity, spacing between defenders, communication frequency and quality, tagging technique (controlled pulls not grabs), adherence to 1m restart rule, signs of fatigue or frustration, students who are disengaged or struggling, unsafe play developing.
Stop play immediately if: unsafe contact occurs, students appear injured or distressed, rules are being ignored creating danger, frustration escalates to poor sportsmanship, defensive formations have completely broken down and students need reset, teachable moment arises that benefits whole group.
Always demonstrate activities with volunteers before asking whole group to attempt. Exaggerate key teaching points during demonstrations for visibility. Use 'watch me first, then you try' approach. For defensive formations, physically position volunteer students rather than just verbal explanation. When demonstrating tags, show controlled gentle technique explicitly. Demonstrate mistakes as well as correct technique to show contrast. Repeat demonstrations as needed - some students need multiple viewings.
Minimum 20m x 30m clear playing area for main activities. 15m x 15m separate space for Auckland Grid if available. Indoor hall or outdoor field suitable. Adequate run-off space beyond boundaries (minimum 2m).
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or hazards. If outdoor, check for wet or muddy patches that could cause slips. Ensure no protruding objects (stones, glass, etc.). Indoor: check for wet spots or damaged flooring.
Upon injury: immediate whistle stop of all play. Assess injury calmly. Do not move injured student unless necessary for safety. Apply appropriate first aid. Send reliable student for additional help if serious. Complete accident report form. Contact parents if injury requires medical attention. Resumption of activity only when safe to do so and injured student appropriately cared for.
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