Lineout training tips and defensive tactics

It’s an age-old saying, but often applies to the lineout: don’t spend too much time on the tricks when you need to make sure you know the trade.

Some coaches will concentrate on clever lineout plays, when in fact a good throw, jump and/or lift can be sufficient in the first place.

Warm up with Lineout footwork, a video session from Phil Davies, who’s coached at Premiership and international level. The fun activity focuses on getting both jumpers and lifters into position quickly and accurately.

Then develop a stronger connection between your thrower and jumpers. The Pure lineout timing session plan is an ideal follow-on to the warm up, or could be a warm-up on its own.

As your session progresses, use Lineout 3v3 to test out how well your players operate under pressure. It’s a great chance to try out new lifting and jumping combinations. All forwards should be able to perform either one or both of these roles.

Finally, let’s spend a little time on the tricks. In this case, if you do have a fancy lineout defensive play, your relationship with the referee for that day will be vital to make sure you are able to execute to his or her satisfaction. In other words, Be ref-savvy with an aggressive lineout defence.

VIDEO: Lineout footwork

in Scrums & Lineouts

Use this warm-up exercise to get your jumpers and lifters quickly into position to perform in the lineout. Easy to setup, it can work with any number of players.   Put three to four different coloured cones spread out over 10m line. Have a jumper or lifter move to a cone colour called out and... MORE

Pure lineout timing

in Practice plans, Scrums & Lineouts

Timing between thrower and jumper continues to be a key aspect for winning the lineout. This sessions develops better timing, leading to a competitive game-like situation. It concentrates on the pure jump only, with no lifting, ensuring that the ball reaches the hands of the receiver at the top of his jump. MORE

Be ref-savvy with an aggressive lineout defence

in Scrums & Lineouts

Defending against the lineout maul remains a vital part of rugby coaching. MORE

Lineout 3v3

in Scrums & Lineouts

Two "pods" (each with two lifters and one jumper) work against each other, with a hooker throwing in to create a jumping and lifting contest for the ball. MORE