If you can commit a lifting pod at the back of the lineout, it should leave uncontested space in the middle to win the ball.
Players walk into the lineout and lift as soon as they are in line. If there are no defending jumpers, the best option is to go straight up in the middle. This requires practice to ensure timing and communication between, the hooker, jumper and lifters is right.
As a progression from your lineout variation practice, it is important to test your pack's ability to make decisions under pressure. Here, they must react to the positioning of two defending jumpers and put the ball to the space.
Lions 2009 defence clip
Classroom session with Mike Catt - discussing the key points of attacking from a lineout
Isolated technical practice
Courtesy of the SRU
Unopposed practice to develop calls and movement patterns
The coach progresses the line out onto small units working together, adds in some competition and starts work with some five man options
Turnovers at the breakdown is back in the spotlight and the recent Australian performances have highlighted how important they are. Neal Hatley from Bath explains how the role of the 2nd man is key and how to practise the technique
The black team split the lineout pods at the front and the back, the defence are then forced to move with these pods to compete or stop a driving maul, (As they are close to the try line), this creates a whole in the middle of the lineout which the black team exploit cleverely. This play is clever and tactical and shows how complex the lineout can be. Key factors : Lifting pods to move quickly - Strong jump - Accurate lifting - Accurate throw - Delayed run through the middle
Sevens - Lineout catch & maul drive
Scotlands clever score from the line out v Ireland was a great example of coaches or players being innovative and looking at new ways to do things. This clip shows a few slightly different uses for placing your scrum half at the front of the line out. It is just ideas and about pushing the boundaries of the laws
With the dummy lifting pod moving back, Filton College execute a short lineout to the front lifter. They attack wide before 're-winding' and using the overlap on the nearside to break through for a try.
A dynamic practise for speed and quality of lifting in lineouts. This exercise can be used for 15's and 7's and for different age groups. The coaches can vary the distance of the cones and progress to both lifters moving. Coaches can add some fun by making it a competition. Key factors : The jumper must jump - Core body strength - Keep body stiff and straight - Lifters work together - Lock out arms - Bring the jumper down safely
A 5 man lineout where all the players are spread evenly apart, all players can lift and jump so the focus is on speed and accuracy. Key factors : Even spread of players - Communication - Quick jump - Accuate lifting - Accurate throw in
RGS Guildford secure lineout ball and perform a 'circle' ball, with the fly-half looping around the centre who pops the ball back to him. This is to draw in defenders, to create space out wide. The winger is able to exploit this space to complete the try.
Coaching junior players to lift effectively in the line out is based upon some simple steps. Ross Harrison from Sale sharks outlines the key principles and progresses to the driving maul
The lineout is a key part of rugby union and it is vital for player safety and success that the proper technique is learnt. James Cannon of London Wasps walks through the key technical elements of lineout lifting and jumping. Log in to see the full session.
Lineout catch and drive drill
Skill Practice Description • The objective of this game is to score from first phase. • The defence start on the try line and can only advance to the five metre line (gain line). • The attack must start from the 5 metre line if simulating a scrum and vary the starting points i.e. centre field. • If simulating a lineout start, use the 10 metre line to half way. • If the attack can score from the set piece they are awarded five points. • If they score after one phase they are awarded four points. • If they score after two phases they get awarded three points and so on. • If the attack fails to score after four phases they turn around and defend. • Kicking options may be introduced. • Five attacks each team. Key Coaching Points • Appropriate passing (short, long, flat, deep etc.) • Appropriate running lines; decoy / option / creating spaces / accelerating into space. • Support and reaction. • Look-Think -Do Process • Allow the players to self correct before intervention from the coach Relevance to the Game • Accuracy in decision making scanning and decoy / option running lines
Progress lifting practises with more movement as is required in matches. The coach can alter things to make the exercise easier or more demanding. Key factors : Communication - Fast feet - Straight back - Squat / bend the knee's - Lock out arms
A good foundation exercise for technical development of practicing lifting with a tackle bag. You could use a contact pad or a tyre if you do not have a tackle bag. Key factors : Strong body position - Fast feet - Straigh back - Lock out the arms - Use momentum of both players
The objective for the kicking team is to back their defence and force a turnover ball
Also utilised the long kick if you do not have an accurate and consistent kicker
If you are the receiving team, have four players up near the 10m line
The lineout & box kick has become increasingly more important this season, Brian Smith from London Irish explains what "Exits" are and why they are important
The deep "Out The Back" pass is a play that is becoming more popular with several options and progressions. In this clip players from Harlequins run through a simple practise to improve their accuracy
Here we take you through the basic and essential core skills required for any jumper in the lineout.
An effective line out is based upon the fundamentals of movement, jumping and lifting. James Cannon from London Wasps takes some amateur players through the basic skills and techniques
The Lineout Game - Lifting techniques
7. 5 Pass Game
Broncos 7 - T-shape Attack
This practice develops communication in a three v three game format
Tackling 18 - Man on Man Defence
Dominant lineout players such as Geoff Parling build their trade on solid technical foundations. Log in to RCD for plenty of coaching tips on lineout technique.
Dominant lineout players such as Geoff Parling build their trade on solid technical foundations. Log in to RCD for plenty of coaching tips on lineout technique.
Dylan Hartley explains his own approach and routines for throwing into the line out and provides some tips and advice to young players
Players sit back to back, arms interlocked and knees bent. The coach says left or right. The players must battle to pull their partner to the floor on the said side.
Back Play from Set Piece - Back Play Intro
Tackling 20 - 2 man Tackle
Defending against the lineout throw is a key area for disrupting the opposition and their attacking platform. The defending jumper can be very effective by getting a hand in between the opponents’ hands and disrupting the catch. This may also block the vision of the opponent who wishes to follow the flight of the ball
Players sit back-to-back and link arms. The coach calls either left or right, and the players try to get the corresponding shoulder to the ground; thus fighting against their partner. A great warm up before going into contact.
To play Seven's you need to be super fit. England flier Marcus Watson takes us through some of his core body exercises
Preparing players for contact coaches should introduce a range of fun exercises to warm up the major muscle groups. These can be competitive or based upon teamwork
The lineout provides an essential attacking platform. Log in to see advice and examples from pro players, suitable for elite, adult and youth players.
Northampton Saints and England hooker Dylan Hartley talks through his lineout throwing procedures and explains the importance of routine
We have changed the content on this clip - just in the short term - until we produce new content on building the maul from a Lineout - apologies
London Irish forwards talk through some of the elements that make an effective lineout, and how you can prepare for a match.
Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3
Classroom session with Mike Catt - discussing the key points of attacking from a lineout
Sevens - Full Lineout 2
The second session focusses on developing the basic techniques for building your line out. Wasps second row James Cannon takes some level 6 players through some progressions
Children should be encouraged to play in all playing positions. Rugby is a late specialist sport and the prop of today may be the scrum half of tomorrow.
If the coach constantly plays the strongest players at half back, this may restrict the development of other, later maturing players.
A good upper body warm-up to get players ready for contact. Can be used with all age groups.
England & Wasps Second row Joe Launchbury provides a few tips on the role of the lock and what coaches and players should focus on
Some slightly different progressions in building upon the basic skills for an effective line out
In Defence:
Stay alert, keep on toes, specific communication, react, work hard
Defend what is happening – not what you think is going to happen
Trust the defence system, trust your team mates – trust yourself
It is important to note that with these exercises, the neck pushes against the arm and not the arm pushing against the neck
Dylan Hartley explains the importance of routine and structure when preparing for each throw, in order to achieve consistency.
Learning to lift and work as a pod of three is the foundation of an effective line out. London Irish academy provides some great tips on how to coach this area
This practice is a safe and enjoyable activity to develop the movement of the lifting pod and the accuracy of the throw
When introducing lifting, consider the suitability of the players for each role.
It may be that a small, light player now takes up a key role in jumping and catching while the bigger players, who may have previously jumped are best suited to lifting at this stage in development
When introducing lifting to young players, always side on caution and use spotters to assist in the initial learning stages. This will develop confidence and competence
Always be aware of fatigue and do not over work the players even if progress is slow
Working in pods of three on speed & movement will help you win line outs. Players also develop better skills in order to play a better standard of rugby and help others around them. Another London Irish coaching resource
The under 13 age group uses the full size pitch. The coach should consider that the 5m tram line as a bigger obstacle for a 12 year old thrower, than it is for a 15 year old thrower
To develop lineout understanding, it may be worth exploring for the best thrower and not select their roles at the lineout by shirt numbers
If the policy is to throw to the front at every lineout, how will this develop the tactical and technical understanding of the lineout game?
It may be that possession is occasionally lost, but is the long term development of players more important than any given children’s’ game?
One person in a strong squat position, other player in the piggy back position. Player on the back tries to work round the other players body to the start position without putting their feet on the floor.
Premiership Rugby coaches and players highlight the importance of the lineout as an entry point and an attacking platform. Join PremiershipRugbyCoaching.com for ideas and examples to improve your lineouts.
A maul from a lineout can be a powerful attacking tool. This clip shows how to construct the maul at the front of the lineout quickly. Practice is key to ensure players understand their positioning and timing.
Back Row Defence
Back Play from Set Piece - Intro
L2 Back Play - Exploiting Space
An example of setting up a maul after a catch and drive at a lineout
Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 1
Women's - Lineout mail good defence
Women's - Lineout catch & maul / drive
Various individual dynamic stretches for the lower back / core. Particularly important for injury prevention before a contact session.
An example of playing the ball from the top of a lineout
Men's - Lineout catch & maul drive 1
Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2
Junior - Ball off the top from lineout 2
Junior - Lineout catch & mail / drive
Sevens - Full Lineout 1
Accurate skills are the key to lineouts in seven's, a combination of movement, lifting and throw combine to make an effective restart for the attacking team. The shape of the attacking side is pre planned to create a mis - match with a faster player v a slower one. key factors : Pre call the move - Fast feet - Strong core for jumper - Support from both players to lift the jumper - Jumper to jump - Accurate throw - Support he jumper to the ground - Offload pass to scrum half
A progression from the 3 man scrum - developing body shape and positions
Use this exercise to replicate a line break with one defender to beat. The attackers need to move the defender and execute a 2 v 1 while the initial defender tracks back to stop the pass. Also works movement at top end speed for the main attacker
This video takes you through the importance of hand placement in building a solid lineout.
Developing play from the lineout should have options and progressions
It may be that a light, athletic group of players focus on speed over technique, but a bigger group of players may focus on technique in order to maximise height.The tempo and tactics at the lineout needs to suit the player profiles.
Back Row Attack Support
The Lions practice their lineouts
Lineout variation and practice
Watch the half backs and assess their effect on the game and the skills required to affect the game
Classroom session with Mike Catt - discussing the key points of attacking from a lineout
The breakdown is decided by what the 1st man in support does, this is cruelly exposed in Seven's rugby but in Fifteen's we often miss poor technique because of the number of players involved
Lineout practice for developing the movement and lift timing.
Elite coach Neal Hatley uses a game to develop speed of lifting in a lineout by providing an element of competition and fun.
Pulling the ball back off both hands is essential to being able to attack at pace
Some ideas on developing paly from the lineout and progressions
An example of a shortened lineout