1v1 Safe Power

Learning

Balanced defending, evasion and safe tagging with both children able to succeed.

Equipment

Cones, Rugby balls, Tag belts

Best group

Pairs, several channels at once

Space / set up

Several narrow channels, attacker one end, defender opposite, try line at the end.

Duration

8–10 minutes

Skills

Movement, Evasion, Tagging, Try scoring

• Create several narrow 1v1 channels side by side, each about 5 m wide.
• Mark a try line at the end of every channel.
• The attacker starts at one end with a ball; the defender starts opposite or slightly inside the channel.
• Keep a clear gap between channels.

1. 1Phase 1 — mirroring: the attacker moves side to side and the defender mirrors them.
2. 2The defender does not backpedal unnecessarily — focus on balanced movement.
3. 3Phase 2 — gentle tagging: the attacker carries a ball and tries to reach the try line.
4. 4The defender tries to make a safe tag and earns a point for a tag.
5. 5Important: the attacker still continues to the try line and can also score.
6. 6Rotate roles regularly so everyone attacks and defends.

• “Stay balanced.”
• “Eyes on their middle.”
• “Find the space.”
• “Safe tag.”
• “Keep going to the try line!”

This activity is suitable for ages 3–7. Choose a stage to see the coaching guidance for that group.

Start with mirroring only, then gentle tagging at walking or jogging speed.

• Create enough channels that pairs work simultaneously — never one long queue.
• Teacher or assistant supervises half the channels.
• Rotate pairs across channels so children meet different opponents.

Make it easier: Widen the channel.

Level it up: Narrow the channel slightly, or add a second try line so the attacker must choose.

• Mirror only

  Footwork phase with no ball and no tagging.

• Two-point channel

  Defender scores for the tag, attacker scores for the try.

S: safe tag only, never a tackle • P: attack the space • A: both players get something to win