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

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

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?

Fun Offloading Game!

Ball control is the key element to an effective offload. Jim Evans from Harlequins uses some fun games to coach this skill

Conditioned game for offloads

A basic game of offload touch with constraints on how much time the ball carrier has. coaches can vary the rules to get more success / make it easier for the attackers

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 - Lifting techniques

The Lineout Game - Lifting techniques

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.

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

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

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.

QBE - Lineout Throwing Game

The Lineout Game - Core Stability

The jumper should utilise the core muscles to provide a tension throughout the body. This will enhance strength and presence in the air and assists the lifters in their supporting role

The Lineout Game - Youth

The objective of this practice is to develop the jump and catch in space free of opposition
The objective of movement is to lose the opposition player “lose your marker”

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?

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

The Lineout Game - Senior

“The line out principle is to catch the ball in a space where no-one else is.”

Pre-Season Offload Touch For Fitness

This Pre-Season touch game is based upon offloading however there are other conditions which make it an ideal practise to combine skills and fitness

L2 - Support Line Breaks & Offloads

Skill Practice Description • The game begins with touch tackles. • Once tackled the ball carrier is allowed to step beyond the tackle line and the support from either side run toward (or attack) the ball. • The pass must be delivered behind the tackle line and not put back in front of the defence, so speed and decision making is vitally important. • Develop the game to grip tackles below the rib cage so the ball can be off loaded. • Progress to full tackles and the ball carrier must fight to keep the ball available. • The support must be aggressive in attacking the ball and getting between and beyond defenders. • When in full contact and the ball carrier cannot off load immediately, rucks and mauls may be played. Key Coaching Points • The game relies on good support play in all areas. This game illustrates the need for consistent and aggressive support. • The supporting players need to work for the ball carrier and attack the ball, getting in behind the defence for an off load. • Once the tackle line has been breached the attack must not allow the defence time to reorganise. • When progressed to full contact, the demand on decision making increases

Offloading Progressions

Here's a great exercise from London Scottish with some excellent progressions taking you through catching difficult balls as well as some fun games to try.

Conditioned Touch - 1sec Offload

This game of touch is conditioned to encourage both close support in attack, and a proactive defence. Attacking players can offload immediately after a touch is made.

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

Defensive Game with Coaching Points

A touch game conditioned to develop the drift defence. Worcester Warriors Community Coach Tamara Taylor explains the objectives of the conditions, gives feedback and adjusts them when necessary.

Coaching Contact Skills With Games - U 11's

Using games to coach can be a challenge for junior coaches. In this clip the Sale sharks community coach delivers a session to develop contact skills at the breakdown by using games, questioning and challenging the players. This can be used for all Junior age groups

IRB Men's - Offloads 3

A quick lineout allows players to attack a "broken field" defence. Running at space moves the defenders and the suport player comes from depth behind the attacker to score. Key factors : Loud communication - Accurate spin pass - Attacking space - Trail support - Pop pass - Quick running

Touch rugby with offload after touch

A game for understanding the importance of support.

Offload off floor touchrugby

A game for support running and lifting the ball off the floor after the tackle

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.

Coaching the breakdown with games

The challenge of using games to coach contact is a tricky one for many coaches. This clip shows the Leeds carnegie academy coach explaining how to integrate games into his coaching and the different styles of delivery

Dylan Hartley on the Lineout

How To Hold The Ball - Grip Games

Young players are very rarely taught how to hold the ball. This video explains why this is important, how to coach it and incorporates some fun grip games to enforce the technique.

Group Touch Game

Group Touch Game

Tackling Game

A full-contact game with uncontested breakdowns, conditioned to have one team attacking for an extended time. The focus is on the defenders, who each have two tennis balls, to concentrate on their tackle technique.

Simple Passing Exercises & Games

The Wasps coaches use a mixture of games and drills to develop the passing skills of young players. Players are encouraged to respond to questions. Games are used to improve the learning experience

Kicking in Training Games

Community Coach Tamara Taylor explains the challenges and benefits of allowing kicks in conditioned touch games at training.

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.

New Kicking Games

Adding variety to your kicking practises will engage your players and motivate them to step up to the challenge. Dave Walder from Newcastle Falcons introduces Three new kicking games in this clip

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.

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.

Using Games to Develop Passing and Support

Using games to coach is how most Premiership coaches improve skills and especially decision making. In this clip Jon Curry uses some clever rules to encourage supporting lines to help keep the ball alive

QBE - Support Line Breaks & Offloads

Support Line Breaks & Offloads

Step 8 - The Tackle Game

Chapter 8 - The Tackle Game

Lineout Jumping Fundamentals

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

Sevens - Full Lineout 2

Sevens - Full Lineout 2

Grip Games - Ball Retention

This great game helps you work on your ball transfer and fend. It teaches players how to keep the ball away from contact increasing ball retention on the pitch!

Mike Catt - Attacking from Lineouts - Quick Ball

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

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

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

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

Learning to Lift for the Lineout - Get started

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

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 - 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

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

Quins - Support Touch Game

The coaches use games to teach techniques and allow players to experiment in game situations. The coach can set the parameters for the game dependent on the skill sets of the players

L2 - Outflanking Game

Skill Practice Description The objective of this game is to develop the ability to execute the 2 v 1 with consistent efficiency. • The attacking team initially has at least one extra players in order to create an advantage. • There is a channel on each wing in which only 1 defender and 2 attackers may enter at any time. • The attack works the play to get the ball into the outside channel then execute the 2 v 1. • With the extra players, the attack can also develop opportunities to penetrate the defence and so the game in not relying on lateral moment and still incorporates the principles of ‘go forward’. • The progression is to remove the cones and see if the players can still take advantage of the 2 v 1 without the conditions set within the channelled areas . • A further progression would be to even the numbers of each team. Key Coaching Points • Running lines to condense and hold defences in order to outflank. • Running lines in order to disrupt and penetrate the defence line. Relevance to the Game • Attacking players often fail to fix defenders effectively and may drift or over elaborate. • This game will assist in angles of run that fix the last defender

Drop off touch - start with a game

Chris Kibble of Esher RFC & Whitgift school says to start your sessions with a game. In this clip Chris runs a game called "Drop touch" where the players run back to a line when they make a touch. This is good for fitness and creating wholes to attack

Quins - Two touch Game

This conditioned game allows attackers two touches so that they can isolate one defender, the game encourages good support play and can be used to improve fitness

Games or drills ?

The coaches explain why they use games and provide examples of how they deliver a session using games with technical skills as the basis for learning

Using Games - 'Choke Ball'

Jake Sharp from Oaklands college delivers a fun game that requires a range of skills from the players. The coach uses lots of questioning to cement the learning and talk about why games are such an important coaching tool

Egg in the nest game

Owen Davies provides the main points for "Egg in the nest" game and why he uses games to keep the players engaged and active

Game - Tackle Touch

Whether you're introducing tackling to young players for the first time, or re-introducing it to senior players after a summer away, this is a great game to play to ease back into it. It isolates the 1v1 tackle and puts emphasis on technique without the high speed impact of a full contact game.

L2 - Penetrating Defence Game

Skill Practice Description • The playing area is marked out in 5m channels. • When defending, players must stay within their channel throughout the game. • The attack must look to penetrate the defence by creating and preserving space. • The defence must use a two handed touch. • There is a 5 tackle turnover rule and once possession is turned over, the defence must get into a channel as the opposition can attack immediately. Key Coaching Points • Support players to hold their opposite number as long as possible before cutting a line to take the pass. • The defender can close the space as far as the edge of their own channel. • If the support player cuts too early or the ball carrier does not move their defender enough, the support player will be touched/tackled. Relevance to the Game • This game will help develop the footwork and running lines to effectively move defenders in order to penetrate the tackle line.

L2 - Tactical Scoring Game

Skill Practice Description • Play 7v7 in the game area but mark different scoring zones along the try lines (use coloured cones). • Mark 5 metres in from each try line with red markers and if a try is scored in either of these areas then it will be worth 8pts. • The next two 5 metre zones moving inwards would be worth 5 pts and the rest of the try line worth 3pts. • This should challenge the ability to outflank or penetrate in order to build a score. • It may be that the defenders primarily defend in the outside channels leaving the middle with more space. • The attack can then take advantage of this new situation, scoring in the middle zone. • Thus identifying the weaknesses of the defence. Key Coaching Points • Spatial awareness • Communication • Quickness of attack at a disorganised defence • Skills to attack space • Footwork and evasion skills • Scanning skills • Decision making Relevance to the Game • This game challenges the decision making of both attack and defence. • If for example a turn over occurs, which score area does the attack target? • Which area does the defence cover and defend first?

Warm-up with Games and Handling (Rugby ready)

A rugby ready style warm up with games and handling as they focus prior to moving on to more technical skills. The game centres around the teams trying to make 10 passes

Military fitness for games - Pre season

Pre season fitness can be tedious and repetitive however you can integrate the latest fitness drills into games of touch or other conditioned games to make your training more challenging

360 Games - Any Direction Attack

A warm up or starting 360 game where players can attack in any direction. This game is the basis to for coaches to then add numerous conditions based upon the focus of the session

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

Sevens - Offloads 2

To execute an offload you need to have support players in the right area, here the ball carrier knows he has support and is able to take a risk and offload out of the back of the tackle. Prior to the offload the ball carrier works hard to stay on his feet. Key factor : Leg drive - Twist and work the body in contact - Control ball one handed - Communication from support players

Warm up - 10 Pass Game

The 10 pass warm up game is excellent to introduce an activity that has a focus on dynamic mobilisation and raising the heart rate.

Players should be asked to focus on their special awareness, passing technique and communication.

To maximise participation, introduce another ball or split the game into two or three smaller games.

Quick fire Attacking Game

This is a great game to keep players engaged by constantly testing their decision-making and execution in attack. Essentially, it's a 4 v 2 game where the attackers always have the advtantage, but they still have to make good decisions to score. It is a high-tempo game that requires the attackers to turn around and attack again straight after scoring.

Coaching with Games is the Future

Elite coaches use conditioned games to teach the basic skills and change the conditions for progressions and increase the intensity

Players First - Circle & Caterpillar Game

A great fun game to get training started and integrate new players into your squad. Lots of progressions and a variety of skills on show

Stuart Lancaster: Importance of Playing Games

Stuart Lancaster explains why he thinks including game-play in rugby sessions is essential to player development.

The Importance of Playing Games

Stuart Lancaster explains the importance of using games for an effective rugby session.

Games for Juniors - 10's & over

The Sale sharks community coach delivers a "Game based" warm up with progressions that will lead onto to contact skills. The coach uses examples and questioning to support learning

Touch games for mini's

Using games is becoming more popular and important when coaching young players. This clip shows a a simple touch game and format to include coaches, have fun and develop skills

Ball Presentation Game

Use this game to practice great ball presentation. Ensure the tackling player is bouncing back to their feet so that this mentality carries over to game day.

Use Games For Fitness

Using games for fitness will keep your players engaged and enjoying their rugby as well as saving time running shuttles!

Quins - Using Games In Training

Elite coaches explain how they translate their desired playing philosophy and principles into practical hands-on coaching approaches, drills and games

Agility Games for contact warm up

Saracens community coach uses games and competitive activities to introduce the contact elements of rugby. This builds confidence in players prior to actual contact skills

Conor O Shea - games or drills

Conor O Shea discusses the value of comparing games with drills in coaching

L2 - Kicking Target Game

Skill Practice Description • Scan and make decisions. • Set up the kick that makes the win scenario by moving the opposition. • Hold and drop of the ball. • Head over the ball and weight forward to reduce scope for error. • Don’t lean back and open scope for error. • Contact with lace, point toe and straight follow through. • Leg speed to generate power. • Catch with hands ready and elbows close. • Keep eye on the ball and watch the ball into the catch. • Gather, scan and return kick accurately Relevance to the Game • This game develops scanning and tactical decisions. • Develops technical accuracy.

L2 - Scatter Defence Game

Skill Practice Description • Ideal practice for when defences break up later in games or with counter attack decision making. • Attackers stand in front of a numbered cone and ball. • The coach calls a number and all attackers must run around their own numbered cone but whichever number was called, that ball becomes active. • At the same time a colour is called for the defenders and all defenders must turn and run around a cone of that colour. They must however choose different cones. • If a touch is made, the teams swap over roles. • If a try is scored, the attackers stay the same. • First to five tries wins. Key Coaching Points • Spatial awareness • Communication • Quickness of attack at a disorganised defence • Skills to attack space • Footwork and evasion skills • Scanning skills • Decision making • Importance of getting behind defenders Relevance to the Game • Great for coaching counter attacking disorganised defences from different angles. • Any player can be ball carrier and communication is vital as is decision making in identifying space and the best way to attack it successfully • Cones can be placed to shape different types of defence. Organised or scattered

Game for Communication Skills

A clever game created by Russell Earnshaw to encourage players to experiment and learn about communication

Tag games for mini's

Not all TAG games are the same and in this clip the Sale sharks coach uses a variety of conditions and rules to encourage the players to use more passes

Paul Gustard - Games V Drills For Best Results

How do you decide on the amount of games v drills you do in your sessions. Paul Gustard provides an insight into his view and why

Games & drills for tackle technique

The Falcons coaches use a variety of games and breakout drills to progress their tackle technique session. The players respond to questions to vary the style of coaching

Mini Games

Some simple but fun games to use for getting very young players enjoying rugby

Games for coaching Contact

The coaches use a variety of conditions for both the attackers and defenders to reinforce the coaching points. Small sided games enable players to learn in a live environment similar to actual match conditions

End ball game for warm ups

A fun but competitive warm-up game that get's players switched on and ready to train.

Games for Developing Skills

The coach reinforces his use off games so his players learn techniques in a competitive and enjoyable environment. Breakout drills are used to correct technique with questioning a key component of learning

Conditioned Game

A full-contact game to finish the session. The condition is that breakdowns only allow one player from each side, putting more focus on open play to practice the running and tackling skills covered in the session.

Tag Game - Tag Rugby 1

Tag Game - Tag Rugby 1

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.

Leg drive and offloads

Staying strong in contact and using the leg-drive can commit extra defenders. If then, you can make an offload to supporting players, overlaps should be created. It is difficult to defend a strong offloading attack, and here, Stowe School are rewarded a try for their slick hands.

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.

Offloads - Keeping the ball alive

In this clip, Eton College keep the ball alive through a series of offloads and long passes, deep within their 22. Eventually a gap emerges for them to exploit, finishing off the the try with a final offload.

Ball Presentation Game

Creating quick ball is crucial to a great attack. Take your players out of a game and into this practice and you'll notice significant improvements in the game pace!