Create and apply defensive tactics
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can apply basic defensive tactics and formations to prevent the attacking team from scoring a try.
Key learning points
- Move: once a tag has been made, we quickly step back and adopt our next position to prevent a further attacking move.
- Move: when defending we reduce the space the attackers have by applying pressure, preventing them scoring.
- Think: reflecting on our defensive tactics improves our ability to stop our opponents scoring a try.
- Feel: when taking on the role of a referee, it is important to implement the rules fairly and be a good role model.
- Connect: communicating with our teammates is important when applying defensive tactics to help improve our performance.
Keywords
Defender - the player or person responsible for preventing the opposition (attackers) from scoring
Tactics - a carefully planned set of actions that are used by a team or an individual to achieve a certain goal
Offside - when a player is in front of the player passing the ball when the play restarts after a tag
Common misconception
Defenders believe they can, or they try to, take the ball when they tag an opponent.
Remind pupils that the primary objective is to remove a tag from the ball carrier to stop their progress, rather than trying to take the ball.
Teacher tip
Highlight to pupils that, although tactics can be really beneficial, this does not mean that they will work every single time.
Equipment
Additional materials: Applying defensive tactics to a game, 1 set of tags per pupil, 1 ball between 2 pupils, 30+ cones, bibs
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What word describes removing the ribbon from your opponent's belt in tag rugby?
Q2.What do we call the player that is moving with the ball in tag rugby?
Q3.Which is the most effective technique for tagging the attacker in tag rugby?
Q4.What can you show to ensure everyone is motivated and happy when playing?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What should you do when you tag an opponent?
Q2.Which is most effective for stopping the opposition from scoring a try?
Q3.When defending in tag rugby, when is the correct time to step back and take up a new position?
Q4.What is one way you can improve your defensive tactics?
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Create and apply defensive tactics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Create and apply defensive tactics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Invasion games: scenarios, tactics and power play through tag rugby unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.