Unit Plan 28 (Grade 3 PE): Rugby-Style Flag Games

Focus: Develop running to space, reinforce safe flag pulling, and introduce simple invasion-game strategy through beginner rugby-style flag play.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Rugby-Style Flag Games • Invasion Strategy • Running, Passing & Safe Defense)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore rugby-style flag games as a way to combine running, passing, teamwork, and safe defense in an active invasion-game format. In this unit, students begin with chasing/fleeing drills and lateral movement practice so they can learn how to move under control, react quickly, and stay balanced while changing speed and direction. They then apply those skills in Flag Rugby Lite, where players run forward, pass sideways or backward, and try to score in an endzone while defenders use safe flag pulls instead of contact. Throughout the unit, students focus on moving into open space, supporting teammates, staying between opponents and the scoring area on defense, and following clear safety rules that make the game fair and active.

Essential Questions

• How can I run into open space to help my team?
• Why do I need to support my teammates when the ball can only be passed sideways or backward?
• What does a safe and successful flag pull look like?
• How can offense and defense work without contact in a rugby-style game?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform locomotor movements with control while chasing, fleeing, changing direction, and supporting play.
2. Combine running, passing, catching, and dodging skills during a modified rugby-style flag game.
3. Demonstrate simple offensive strategies such as moving to open space, supporting the ball carrier, and using quick changes of direction.
4. Demonstrate simple defensive strategies such as staying between an opponent and the endzone and pulling flags safely.
5. Follow rules, routines, and safety expectations during rugby-style flag activities.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.3a – Locomotor Skills in Complex Pathways Perform locomotor skills (run, hop, jump, leap, slide, gallop, skip) with control, changing speed and direction in response to cues or game situations.
  • Example: Students navigate a cone course, adjusting speed and direction while avoiding others during a tag-style warm-up.
• PE:S1.3f – Combining Skills in Small-Sided Games Combine locomotor and object-control skills (run, dodge, throw, catch, strike, kick) in modified small-sided games.
  • Example: Students play 3v3 passing games where they must move to open space, receive a pass, and attempt to score in a goal zone.
• PE:S2.3d – Basic Offensive Strategies Demonstrate simple offensive strategies such as moving to open space, passing to an open teammate, and using quick changes of direction.
  • Example: In mini-soccer, students move into open space to receive a pass then quickly dribble toward the goal.
• PE:S2.3e – Basic Defensive Strategies Demonstrate simple defensive strategies such as staying between an opponent and a goal or target and attempting to intercept passes.
  • Example: In keep-away, students position themselves between the passer and target to block or intercept the ball.
• PE:S4.3a – Rules, Routines, and Equipment Safety Consistently follow rules, procedures, and safety expectations, including proper use of equipment and respect for boundaries.
  • Example: Students wait for the signal to begin, stay within play zones, and handle equipment appropriately.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can run with control and move into open space.
• I can support a teammate by staying available for a sideways or backward pass.
• I can pull a flag safely without using contact.
• I can stay between my player and the endzone on defense.
• I can follow the rules and play safely in Flag Rugby Lite.