Lineout Lifting Fundamentals - Get started

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

Lineout Lifting Basics

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.

The Lineout Game - Lifting techniques

The Lineout Game - Lifting techniques

Sale - Lineout lifting & set

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

Lineout Lifting Progressions

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

Learning to Lift for the Lineout - Get started

Some slightly different progressions in building upon the basic skills for an effective line out

The Lineout Game - Lifting

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

Did this Lineout win the World Cup

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

Lineout Lifting Hand Placement

This video takes you through the importance of hand placement in building a solid lineout.

Lineout - Learning To Lift

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

Attack from short lineout

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.

Lineout game for speed of lifting

Elite coach Neal Hatley uses a game to develop speed of lifting in a lineout by providing an element of competition and fun.

Mike Catt - Attacking from Lineouts - Back Ball

Classroom session with Mike Catt - discussing the key points of attacking from a lineout

Lineout Lifting Fundamentals

Zoran Higgins takes you through the basic lifting fundamentals that all Junior players will have to learn. This focusses specifically on hand placement and body positioning.

Lineout Movement and Lifting

Using a coloured grid, pods of 3 can work on their timing and technique when moving before the lift. The coach calls which colour cone to jump from, so the players can learn to react quickly. Rotate jumpers so that players practice working in different pods.

7. Support - No Back Lift bench passes

Isolated technical practice

Courtesy of the SRU

Full lineout practice - middle then back

Unopposed practice to develop calls and movement patterns

Scotland New Lineout Move

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

Lineout Game - Target Games

This practice is a safe and enjoyable activity to develop the movement of the lifting pod and the accuracy of the throw

The Lineout Game - Offloading

The ball should ideally be taken early and delivered with firm, but sympathetic direction. The arms and legs of the jumper will be ideally close together throughout the jump in order to maintain good core stability. Keeping the legs together will also assist the front lifter to remain stable. If the jumper does not control their legs, the front lifter cannot control the lift and support

7-man - dummy at back then shift forward

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.

Lineout Pods and Movement

The coach progresses the line out onto small units working together, adds in some competition and starts work with some five man options

Lineout Jumping Fundamentals

Here we take you through the basic and essential core skills required for any jumper in the lineout.

QBE - Lineout Throwing Game

Joe Launchbury - Lineout Tips

England & Wasps Second row Joe Launchbury provides a few tips on the role of the lock and what coaches and players should focus on

Offensive Front Tackle

The offensive front tackle

This practice shows front tackle technique when the defender is in a strong and balanced position

The Lineout Game - Defence

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

Lineout Fundamentals

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.

Geoff Parling - Lineout Dominance

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.

Men's - Full lineout 2

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

Building the Lineout

This video initially shows the lift, bring down to the ground and bind of a lineout pod.

The video also illustrates safe and effective ways to introduce movement, lifting and jumping skills to youth players

Sevens - Full Lineout 3

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

Lineout Throw with Dylan Hartley

Dylan Hartley explains his own approach and routines for throwing into the line out and provides some tips and advice to young players

The Lineout Game - Under13

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?

Dylan Hartley on the Lineout

Lineout Throwing with Dylan Hartley

Northampton Saints and England hooker Dylan Hartley talks through his lineout throwing procedures and explains the importance of routine

Lineout essentials

The lineout provides an essential attacking platform. Log in to see advice and examples from pro players, suitable for elite, adult and youth players.

Building the Maul from a Lineout

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.

Step 6 - Introducing the Lineout

Strike move from Lineout

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.

Lions 09 - Lineout Movement

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

3-man lifting practice with pads

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

Shadowing and movement in the lineout

Lineout practice for developing the movement and lift timing.

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3

2-man lifting practice with pad

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

7-man - walk-in middle lift

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.

The Lineout Game - Under14

Players begin to use movement with the intention of deceiving the opposition as to where the ball will be thrown. However if the ball is always thrown to the front, how effective will this movement be?
This clip illustrates how the front ball is secured by jumping and catching skill and then protected by the support players. If the same skills could be used with a middle ball, the tactical decision making will also be developed

How many coaches opt for safety and not for the long term development of their players?

Lineout Tips from London Irish Forwards

London Irish forwards talk through some of the elements that make an effective lineout, and how you can prepare for a match.

Dylan Hartley - Lineout Throwing

Dylan Hartley explains the importance of routine and structure when preparing for each throw, in order to achieve consistency.

Lineout Catch-and-drive

Lineout catch and drive drill

Lineout Game - Pod Race

This game is also in the level 2 swatch (coaching the 15-a-side game).

When working with players actively lifting and jumping, it is most important to be sensitive to fatigue, primarily for safety reasons

Front Squat technique

Lifting weights is a complex method of developing a young player's power and strength. Following specific guidelines with specialist coaches is the only way to learn. Here, the 'squat' is implemented in a safe and secure environment with a qualified coach to support

L2 - Back Line Attack from Set Piece

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

Lineout - 4 pod passing challenge

Four lifting pods must hold their jumpers aloft long enough for them to pass a ball through the hands twice. Lifters should stand close together and try to lock-out their arms. Jumpers should maintain a strong core and keep their legs straight to make life easier for the lifters.

Passive Front Tackle

The passive front tackle

This tackle is necessary when the defender is not in a position to make a strong aggressive tackle and uses the momentum of the attacker to bring them to the ground

Driven Lineout Strategy

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

Building the Lineout

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

Back Row Defence

Back Row Defence

Sevens - Lineout catch & maul drive

Sevens - Lineout catch & maul drive

Back To Back Pre Contact Wrestle

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

Back Play from Set Piece - Back Play Intro

Chapter 6 - Introducing the Lineout

Back-to-back Wrestle

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.

Warm-up Back to Back

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

Mike Catt - Attacking from Lineouts - Dummy Options

Classroom session with Mike Catt - discussing the key points of attacking from a lineout

Back Play from Set Piece - Mini Half Backs

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.

Back-to-back Wrestle

A good upper body warm-up to get players ready for contact. Can be used with all age groups.

Back Play from Set Piece - Attack from Line Out

To take advantage of the forwards being grouped and to utilize the space this provides, the appropriate strike call needs to be made and space attached.
Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running support lines will assist the offload and turn defenders.

Lineout - Speed & Movement Drill

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

Tackling 9 - Revise Tracking and Front Tackling

Front Row - Short Arm Binding

This clip from a scrum workshop looks at the tight head binding options.

It’s a mistake to have the hooker and tight head too tight in the bind.

This maybe contrary to popular or traditional belief

Piggy Back Warm Up

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.

Lineout Catch & Drive

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.

Front Row Binding - Walk around Binding

Front Row Binding - Walk around Binding

Back Play from Set Piece - Intro

Back Play from Set Piece - Intro

Quins - Out The Back Pass

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

The Lineout Game - The floor game

The lineout competition is not won and lost when the ball is caught. If the team defending the throw cannot compete in the air, they can subsequently compete on the ground and disrupt the quality of possession the opposition wish to use

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 1

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 1

The Lineout Game - Movement in the line out

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.

Women's - Lineout catch & maul / drive

Women's - Lineout catch & maul / drive

Back Row Attack Support

Back Row Attack Support

Core Strength - Swiss Ball Leg Lift

A strong core is essential in rugby, particularly for the forwards in the scrum. Once you have mastered the bridge, attempt lifting one leg at a time, while keeping your core strong.

Lions 09 lineout 2

Lineout variation and practice

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 1

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 1

Team patterns play from lineout

Developing play from the lineout should have options and progressions

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2

2. Half Back Play

Watch the half backs and assess their effect on the game and the skills required to affect the game

Broncos 1 - Scramble defence - Tracking back

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

Lions 09 Lineout 4

Lineout variation and practice

Mike Catt - Attacking from Lineouts - Quick Ball

Classroom session with Mike Catt - discussing the key points of attacking from a lineout

Sevens - Full Lineout 1

Sevens - Full Lineout 1

Sevens - Full Lineout 2

Sevens - Full Lineout 2

Junior - Ball off the top from lineout 2

Junior - Ball off the top from lineout 2

Junior - Lineout catch & mail / drive

Junior - Lineout catch & mail / drive

Women's - Lineout mail good defence

Women's - Lineout mail good defence

Men's - Lineout catch & maul drive 2

An example of setting up a maul after a catch and drive at a lineout

Men's - Lineout catch & maul drive 1

Men's - Lineout catch & maul drive 1

Men's - Ball off the top from lineout 2

An example of playing the ball from the top of a lineout

Men's - Short Lineout 2

An example of a shortened lineout

Lions 09 lineout 3

Lineout variation and practice