Flag Rugby 5-on-5 Six-Tag Rule
A 5-on-5 flag rugby game where each team gets six flag pulls to score a try before handing over the ball. It requires building the attack in phases, reorganizing after each stop and defending in a line that moves up together.
How to play
- Use cones to mark two fields of 30 x 20 meters with 3-meter end zones. Make 5 teams of 5 in pinnies and flag belts (4 min).
- Explain the game: the attacking team moves forward with backward passes. Every time the ball carrier's flag is pulled, play stops, the defense backs up 3 meters and play restarts with a pass from the ground.
- The attacking team has six stops to score; on the sixth, the ball goes to the other team. Each try is worth 1 point and play restarts from the middle.
- Run two games at once for 5 minutes while one team rests as forward-pass referees; rotate after each game (4 games, 20 min).
- Between games, give teams 1 minute to choose one simple play for their next set of six.
Rules
- No contact: no pushing, no hands on your own flags and no grabbing clothes.
- A forward pass or dropped ball is an immediate turnover.
- After pulling a flag, the defender hands it back and retreats 3 yards before defending again.
- No diving to score: touch the ball down standing or kneeling.
Variations
Easier
Give teams eight stops and have the defense back up 5 meters.
Standard
5-on-5 with the six-tag rule and a 3-meter retreat.
Harder
Give teams four stops and allow only one pass per phase.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: act as the fixed passer from the ground at every restart and count the stops out loud.
- Students with visual impairments: use a bright-colored ball, and a teammate calls out where the defensive line is.
- Lower fitness levels: may rest in the end zone as the final receiver.
Learning goals
- Build the attack in phases with backward passes.
- Defend in a line, moving up together after each stop.
- Agree on a simple team play and run it.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rugby balls: 2
- flag belts: 25
- pinnies: 25
- cones: 20
Teacher tip
Having the attacking team count stops out loud prevents arguments. If the defense jumps offside, give the attack 5 yards.
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