Forming a tackle triangle and getting onside in defence
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can form a tackle triangle at the breakdown and get onside in defence.
Key learning points
- Move: stepping quickly into a triangle with 2 other teammates after a tag/touch helps to slow down the attack.
- Move: moving quickly onside, behind the tackle triangle, stops gaps forming in the defensive line.
- Think: 2 defenders must place a hand on the tagger to set the offside line from the back foot of the triangle.
- Feel: feeling organised in defence builds confidence to press and stop forward momentum.
- Connect: communicating clearly in the tackle triangle lets the tagger know you are there to support them.
Keywords
Offside - if a player is in front of the last point of contact (the back foot of the tackle triangle)
Tackle triangle - a defensive shape formed around the ball carrier after they have been tagged by 3 defenders
Phase - a continuous sequence of play that starts after a player is tagged or touched, and continues until the ball is passed, dropped or the play is stopped (e.g. tagged)
Common misconception
Pupils think that just the tagger remains at the breakdown in T1 rugby.
After a tag/touch, 2 other defenders need to join the the tager to form a triangle at every breakdown.
Teacher tip
If pupils are already fairly expeirenced with rugby, you may wish to incorporate some contact into the game to make a simplied version of full contact rugby.
Equipment
30+ cones, 1 ball per 3 and 6 sets of 8 bibs
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When tagged, how does an attacker get the ball to a teammate?
Q2.When can a player only take up to 3 steps in T1 rugby?
Q3.Which direction is the ball passed in T1?
Q4.What should you use to rip the ball?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How many phases do attackers have to score a try?
Q2.After a defender tags/touches the ball carrier, 2 other defenders have to connect with them to form what shape?
Q3.What do you need to position yourself behind in defence to prevent being offside?
Q4.Why is it beneficial to get back onside quickly in defence?
To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Forming a tackle triangle and getting onside in defence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Forming a tackle triangle and getting onside in defence, 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 4 physical education lessons from the Invasion games: problem solving with tactics and strategies through T1 rugby unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.