4 v 2 Tag (Assessment Activity Yr 3/4)

4 v 2 Tag

Simple and effective invasion game for building skills relating to creating space and decision-making. Small sided game that can be adapted for any invasion sport

Children playing tag with ball.
Set up

Divide the class into groups of six (four attackers and two defenders). Each group needs a ball and 4 cones and sets up their own approximately 15 metre x 15 metre playing square on a grass field or hard court.  

Note:  you can use this game for hockey, AFL, Ultimate Frisbee, netball, basketball, soccer, handball or any invasion game, just change the ball you are using, and you can also add in the sport-specific rules. 

How to play
Step 1:
  • Set up four attackers and two defenders in the square
  • The aim for the defenders is to tag the ball carrier to score a point
  • The defenders try to score as many tags as possible in the time limit (30 seconds)
Step 2:
  • The attacking team can run and pass the ball
  • If there are less than two tags in 30 seconds, decrease the playing area to make it easier for the defenders
  • If the ball goes out of bounds, attacking team retains possession
  • Play a number of games and then change roles
Step 3:
  • Progress this activity by:
    • Adopting the rules of the game associated with the implement being used e.g., Children cannot run with a netball or flying disc or with a basketball they must dribble
    • Add in a scoring system e.g., 3 points for a tag and 1 point for a successful pass
    • Changing the size of the playing area
    • Adding an extra defender (4 v 3)

Adapted from 'Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport' (Ray Breed and Michael Spittle)

Variations
Make it easier
  • Instead of tagging the child with the ball, the defenders try to intercept the ball
  • To make it easier for the defenders, make the playing area smaller
Make it harder
  • Adopt the rules of the game associated with the implement being used. E.g. Children cannot run with a netball or frisbee
  • To make it harder for the defenders, make the playing area larger
  • Add extra defenders - 4 v 3 or 4 v 4
Activity information
Age: Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Participants: 6 +
Equipment: Balls, Cones
Duration: 15 minutes
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Running Catching Dodging Attacking Skills (Invasion Games) Defensive Skills (Invasion Games) AFL Skills Hockey/Floorball Skills Rugby Skills Soccer Skills Basketball Skills Netball Skills Ultimate Frisbee Skills
Skill teaching

Demonstrate the activity with a group of children before starting. Emphasise the following points:

  • Defenders need to try to read the play to predict where the ball might go
  • Attackers to move and pass quickly using the whole square

After the children have played for a while, pause the activity and ask some reflection questions:

  • How can the defenders get as many tags as possible? Reading the play and anticipating where the ball will be passed. Look at attacker's eyes and body positions to see where they might be planning to pass
  • When should you run with the ball? You shouldn't have to if you're drawing the defender
  • What is the best way for the attackers without the ball to position themselves? Spread out and constantly moving
Physical literacy tips
  • Add a 'Power Player' role. e.g., attackers can nominate one player who earns double points for successful passes during the round
  • Give children a say in the game setup, such as choosing roles, picking the type of ball, or creating team names