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Rugby Maths

Maths in rugby: tackle counts

Use tally charts for non-contact data discussions.

Quick answer

Maths in rugby: tackle counts uses tally charts to count how many times players are tackled during a game. You can use tally marks to keep track of numbers and then turn them into a simple table to show who was tackled most.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use tally charts to count and record tackle numbers in rugby, and understand how to turn tally marks into a simple table to compare results. Success signs:
  • You can make a tally chart for 5 players with 10 tackles each
  • You can read a tally chart and say how many tackles each player had
  • You can explain why tally charts are helpful for counting
  • You can turn tally marks into a table with numbers

Why this matters

In rugby, counting tackles helps coaches understand how well players are defending and how much physical effort they are putting in. You can use tally charts to keep track of tackles during a game or training session. This helps you see who is tackling the most and who might need more practice. It’s also a fun way to use maths during sports!

How it works

Tally charts are a simple way to count things quickly. Each tally mark is a line, and every fifth mark is drawn across the others to make a group of five. Here’s how to make one for rugby tackles:
  1. Draw a table with two columns: Player Name and Tackles
  2. Write the names of players you are counting tackles for
  3. As you watch the game or training, make a tally mark for each tackle
  4. After every five tackles, draw a line through the previous four marks
  5. At the end, count your tally marks and write the total in the table

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine a rugby training session with 4 players: Sam, Alex, Mia, and Jordan. Each player gets tackled a few times. Here’s how you would make a tally chart:
Player Tackles
Sam |||| ||
Alex |||| |
Mia |||| |||
Jordan |||| ||||
Now let’s count how many tackles each player had:
  • Sam had 7 tackles
  • Alex had 6 tackles
  • Mia had 8 tackles
  • Jordan had 10 tackles
You can also turn this into a simple bar chart or number table to compare players.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Tackle Tracker Imagine you are a rugby coach watching your team train. You want to see who is tackling the most. You decide to make a tally chart for 5 players: Tom, Lily, Ben, Zara, and Noah. Here’s how your tally chart looks after one training session:
Player Tackles
Tom |||| ||
Lily |||| ||||
Ben |||| |
Zara |||| |||
Noah |||| ||||
Now you need to count the tackles and write the totals:
  • Tom: 7 tackles
  • Lily: 10 tackles
  • Ben: 6 tackles
  • Zara: 8 tackles
  • Noah: 10 tackles
You can now tell your team who tackled the most and who might need more practice.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Making tally marks in groups of 4 instead of 5
    Why it happens: Children forget that every fifth mark should go across the others.
    Fix: Practice drawing a group of 5 with a line through the first four marks.
  • Mistake: Counting the marks wrong
    Why it happens: Children may skip marks or count the same one twice.
    Fix: Count in groups of 5, then count any extra marks.
  • Mistake: Mixing up players in the chart
    Why it happens: Children may forget which player they are counting for.
    Fix: Always check the player name before making a tally mark.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child practice using tally charts by:
  • Playing a game where you both count things together, like how many steps you take or how many cars you see
  • Using a tally chart to count how many times your child tackles in a game or training session
  • Letting your child make their own chart for a small activity, like how many toys they have
  • Encouraging them to explain how they counted and why tally charts help
Remember, tally charts are a fun way to learn counting and data. It’s okay if they make a mistake – that’s how they learn!

Practice questions

  1. How many tackles does a player have if they have |||| ||||?
  2. What is the total if you have 3 players with 5 tackles each?
  3. How many tackles are shown in this tally: |||| |||| ||?
  4. What number does |||| |||| |||| ||| represent?
  5. If one player has 9 tackles, how many tally marks would they have?
Answers:
  1. 8 tackles
  2. 15 tackles
  3. 13 tackles
  4. 18 tackles
  5. 18 tally marks (10 groups of 5 and 3 extra)

FAQ

What is a tally chart?
A tally chart is a simple way to count things by making marks. Each mark is one, and every fifth mark is drawn across the others to make a group of five.

Why do we use tally charts?
Tally charts help us count quickly and keep track of things, especially when we are watching a game or doing a task.

Can I use tally charts for anything else?
Yes! You can use tally charts to count how many times you jump, how many books you read, or how many goals you score in a game.

How do I read a tally chart?
To read a tally chart, count the marks for each player or item. Remember to count in groups of 5, then count any extra marks.

What is the best way to practice tally charts?
Practice by counting things around you, like toys, steps, or snacks. Make a chart and see how many you have!