Tag Rugby
PE | Year 4 | Unit Overview
Introduction
This ‘Tag Rugby’ unit will teach your class the skills players need to play both defensively and offensively as a tag rugby player. The children will learn
how to catch and throw while both stationary and on the move. They will develop their skills of tagging and sidestepping as well as making tactical
decisions about when to make passes and tags. They will also learn the skill of intercepting, following the offside rule. Children will have the opportunity
to play a mini-tournament to put their newly developed skills into practise.
Health & Safety
In the event of bad weather, decide whether PE can take place outdoors or
whether it would be better indoors. Check the playing area for any hazards
before beginning the lesson. Ensure all equipment used is child-safe and
age-appropriate. Make sure that all children are appropriately dressed and
have the correct footwear. Follow your school’s risk assessment at all times
when teaching PE.
For tag rugby based skills and activities: Make sure children are aware of
the rules and how it is different from the full contact game of rugby. They
should know that it is a non-contact sport, with the only contact allowed
between players being the removal of tags from the ball carrier’s belt.
This means the ball carrier cannot use their hands (or the ball) to fend off
defenders and the defenders cannot use anything but the tags to tackle an
attacker. They should also be aware that they must stay on their feet at all
times during play and any player going to ground will result in a free pass
to the other team. This includes when scoring a try or collecting a ball that
has been dropped.
Home Learning
Tag Rugby Activities: This Activity Sheet provides children with a set
of six activities linked to their learning. Activities can be completed at
home with a family member or friend, or with a partner during school or
extracurricular time.
Wider Learning
If you have a local rugby team, arrange to watch a game, or have some of
the players visit your class. Encourage children to observe the similarities
and differences between tag rugby and contact rugby. Further information
can be found here.
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Assessment Statements
By the end of this unit...
...all children should be able to:
• demonstrate knowledge of how to hold a rugby ball
and use the learnt grip with support;
• pass a rugby ball with some accuracy using elements
of the correct technique while stationary;
• catch a rugby ball with some success;
• pass a rugby ball with some accuracy using elements of
the correct technique while moving at a walking pace;
• show knowledge of the rule that a pass can only
be made backwards but do not always stand in a
position to be able to receive a pass;
• use the sidestep to get around a passive defender at
a walking pace;
• explain and demonstrate some of the rules of tagging;
• occasionally use the space effectively by
sidestepping a defender or passing the ball;
• demonstrate knowledge of how to intercept a
pass and sometimes execute this during drills that
specifically practise this skill;
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of what a
tactical decision is but is not always able to execute
them in a game situation to help their team keep and
win back possession of the ball;
• show understanding of, and sometimes use, attacking
and defending skills to contribute towards the
success of their team;
• show some knowledge of the rules of tag rugby and
sometimes adhere to them in a game;
• identify some of the tag rugby skills being performed
by others in a game and give a suggestion for
improvement.
...most children will be able to:
• use the correct grip while holding the ball to be able
to pass it effectively;
• pass the ball with accuracy, using the correct
technique while stationary;
• move their hands to catch a ball arriving at different
heights and angles;
• pass the ball with accuracy using the correct
technique while on the move;
• sometimes get into the correct position to receive a
pass from a teammate;
 • use the sidestep to get around a passive defender at
a pace faster than walking;
• explain and demonstrate most of the rules of
tagging, including in a game situation;
• sidestep a defender and pass the ball with success
and generally use the space effectively;
• demonstrate knowledge of how to intercept a pass
and execute this during drills that specifically
practise this skill and sometimes in a game situation;
• show knowledge and understanding of tactical
decision-making and sometimes choose the right
tactic in a game, to help their team keep and win
back possession of the ball;
• use a range of attacking and defending skills to
contribute to the success of their team;
• demonstrate knowledge of many of the rules of tag
rugby and follow them in a game;
• identify and describe the effectiveness of the
performance of others and give suggestions
for improvement.

...some children will be able to:

• expertly use the correct grip while moving with the
ball and be able to pass it effectively;
• pass the ball with control and accuracy to the left and
the right, using the correct technique while stationary;
• confidently catch a rugby ball using different techniques;
• pass the ball with control and accuracy to the left
and the right, using the correct technique while
moving at pace;
• support a teammate in possession of the ball to be
able to receive a pass;
• confidently use the sidestep to get around a passive
defender at pace and perform this skill with success;
• explain and demonstrate the rules of tagging with
confidence and supports others in achieving this;
• avoid being tagged in a variety of ways, including
passing the ball to a teammate, sidestepping and
dodging a defender and using the space effectively;
• confidently intercept the ball to win possession for
their team and set up an attack;
• make appropriate and informed tactical decisions
in both defence and attack and support their
teammates in also making these decisions;
• consistently and confidently use a range of attacking
and defending skills to contribute to the success of
their team;
• show knowledge of the rules of tag rugby and
confidently explain them to help others with their
understanding of them too;
• identify and describe the effectiveness of their
own and others performance and give suggestions
To look at all the resources in the Tag Rugby for improvement.
unit click here
To find out more about Twinkl Move download
our free guide here.

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Lesson Breakdown Resources

1. Throwing and Catching • Cones

• Rugby balls
To develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance in
the context of tag rugby ball handling skills.
• To throw and catch a rugby ball.

2. Moving and Dodging • Cones

• Bibs
To develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance in
• Rugby balls
the context of moving with the ball and passing in tag rugby.
• To execute a successful pass of a rugby ball while on
the move.
• To move with the ball into space.

3. Tagging • Cones
• Tag rugby belts
To play competitive games, modified where appropriate, and apply
• Tag rugby tags
basic principles suitable for attacking and defending in the context
• Rugby balls
of tagging in tag rugby.
• To know, understand and apply the rules of tagging in
tag rugby.

4. Intercepting • Cones
• Tag rugby belts
To develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance; To
• Tag rugby tags
play competitive games, modified where appropriate, and apply
• Rugby balls
basic principles suitable for attacking and defending in the context
of intercepting in tag rugby.
• To gain possession by intercepting a pass.

5. Attacking and Defending Tactics • Cones

• Tag rugby belts
To play competitive games, modified where appropriate, and apply
• Tag rugby tags
basic principles suitable for attacking and defending in the context
• Rugby balls
of tag rugby.
• To use my attacking and defending skills and knowledge to
make tactical decisions.

6. Gameplay • Cones
• Tag rugby belts
To play competitive games, modified where appropriate, and apply
• Tag rugby tags
basic principles suitable for attacking and defending in the context
• Rugby balls
of tag rugby.
• To apply attacking and defending skills in a game of • Hoops
tag rugby.
• To watch and evaluate the performance of others.

To look at all the resources in the Tag Rugby unit click here National Curriculum Aim Lesson Context Child Friendly

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