Tackling and defensive line speed
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can come up as a defensive line with my team and take down the opposition using a successful tackle.
Key learning points
- Move: tackling is performed with a low body position, arms wrapped to secure the ball carrier until they hit the ground.
- Move: side shuffling whilst getting back onside quickly allows defenders to keep an eye on the ball.
- Think: staying as a flat defensive line will leave no gaps for attackers to run through.
- Feel: confidence to initiate contact comes from repeated execution with the correct technique.
- Connect: supporting less confident classmates to execute successful tackles in practice conditions shows kindness.
Keywords
Defensive line - the formation of defending players spread across the field to prevent the attacking team from advancing and scoring
High tackle - a tackle that is above the shoulders and is very dangerous and illegal, so a penalty would be awarded
Late tackle - a penalty offence for tackling a player who has already passed or kicked the ball
Common misconception
Running up quickly to tackle the ball carrier is always the best thing to do.
Moving up quickly to tackle the ball carrier is only the right thing to do if the rest of your defensive line is with you, as you can leave gaps which makes it easy for the ball carrier to stop you and break up the pitch to score a try.
Teacher tip
It may be beneficial to pair pupils up in ability/confidence levels and in the game provide bibs for any pupil that may not wish to be tackled directly (a touch can be used). Contact versions of the game should only be managed by suitably experienced and qualified staff (inc. concussion training).
Equipment
30+ cones, balls (1 between 2), tackle bags (1 between 2) and 6 sets of 7 bibs.
Content guidance
Additional qualification required
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a dummy pass?
Q2.How can you support the ball carrier?
Q3.What is it called when a player has already passed the ball but is tackled?
Q4.If a high tackle occurs what happens?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Where should you aim to tackle the ball carrier?
Q2.A high tackle is a tackle above the...?
Q3.How is it best to move as defenders?
Q4.A defensive team has made a tackle, the attackers get up and play the ball but all the defence stay where they are. Which rule does this break?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Tackling and defensive line speed, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Tackling and defensive line speed, 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 Non-examined assessment: rugby league practical unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.