Create and apply defensive tactics
I can apply basic defensive tactics and formations to prevent the attacking team from scoring a try.
Create and apply defensive tactics
I can apply basic defensive tactics and formations to prevent the attacking team from scoring a try.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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 secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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
