After the lineout

This is a tactical situation based on what happens after winning (or losing) lineout ball. The session fits neatly into in-season training, and as part of the pre-season programme to get players into game mode.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 8-10
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

In the lineout you have a better chance than in the scrum of winning opposition ball. So, your team should have a move up their sleeves, even if it is more likely that they will lose the lineout. When players realign from a flat line to create some depth, it can mean taking a few steps backwards. They can instead delay their run onto the ball to maintain that depth. A few steps back is probably preferable, because it is unlikely that the excited player will be able to contain himself if he knows he might receive the ball!

set-up

1. Adjust your alignment based on whether you have won the lineout ball or not.
2. Attack the gain line by running straight forward with the ball.
3. In defence, cut down the space quickly, but don’t get drawn out of the line.

What you get your players to do

Set up eight players as in the top picture, with a 9 holding the ball. This is the rough shape of the back of a lineout and midfield, though both sets of midfield players must stand flat. Shout which team is going to attack and the 9 moves towards the attacking team and releases the ball. In the meantime, the sets of midfield players realign. The game then becomes live, with the attacking team aiming to get beyond the midpoint (as marked by the dashed line). Ideally, use full tackling.