Flag Rugby: Rush Defense Line

6-on-6 flag rugby focused on defense: defenders rush up together in a line to shrink the attack's space, while the attack hunts for gaps with backward passes and changes of direction. Students work on coordinated defense, communication and reading gaps.

How to play

1. Set up two 35 x 20 m (38 x 22 yd) fields with 5 m (5 yd) in-goal areas and make four teams of 6; the extra student is a rotating sub. Review: backward passes only, and a flag pull stops the carrier (3 min).
2. Line drill: six defenders 10 m (11 yd) from the attack move up together on "up!" without getting ahead or falling behind; three reps (4 min).
3. Waves: the attack starts from its 5 m line with six tags to score a try (12 min total).
4. If the defense pulls a flag before the attack crosses the cone line 10 m from its start, it earns a point.
5. A try is worth 2 and a defensive point 1; possession changes after a try or six tags.
6. Wrap-up: each team names who led the line and when it broke down (3 min).

Rules

• No pushing, grabbing clothing or tackling.
• The defender hands the flag back and the attacker reattaches it before passing.
• Players may not guard their flags with hands or the ball.
• The defense stays 5 m back from the restart until the ball is passed.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: restart play after each tag or act as an unguarded support receiver.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: the line leader raises an arm with the call to rush.
• Lower fitness: play an end of the line, covering less ground, and rotate as the sub.

Learning goals

• Defend in a coordinated line to close down space.
• Communicate out loud to organize the defense.
• Find gaps with backward passes and changes of pace.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rugby balls: 4
• flag belts: 50
• cones: 20
• pinnies: 12

Teacher tip

The fastest defender tends to shoot ahead and open a gap: name a line leader to set the pace. Check that flags hang freely and nobody wears watches or earrings.

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