KS2 · Physical education · Year 6

Defending as a team

Invasion games: scenarios, tactics and power play through tag rugby

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Your learning goal

I can understand and apply defensive tactics in a game situation to prevent attacking opportunities for my opponents.

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Defending as a team: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.

What you’ll learn

I can understand and apply defensive tactics in a game situation to prevent attacking opportunities for my opponents.

Key learning points

Move: tagging opponents successfully requires using both hands, focussing on the hips and staying low when approaching.
Move: when we are close to the ball carrier, we apply pressure by moving towards them quickly.
Think: when defending, ensuring everyone's in position ready to apply pressure, needs concentration and decision making.
Feel: taking responsibility to officiate our games, to ensure that everyone plays by the rules, demonstrates integrity.
Connect: it is important to play respectfully to make sure everyone is motivated and happy when playing the game.

Words to know

tag: a "tag" is the act of removing a tag or ribbon that is attached to the ball carrier's belt in tag rugby
carrier: the player who is currently in possession of the ball
marked: closely guarding our opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or from passing the ball to others

Common mistakes

Pupils often believe they can use physical contact to tackle or push their opponent.

Remind pupils that tag rugby is a non-contact sport and pupils can only tag their opponents or intercept a pass.

For parents, carers and teachers

Encourage pupils not to stop when they are tagged and to quickly look to pass the ball and keep the game flowing. Remind defenders to be ready for these quick transitions.