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.
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
Adjust your alignment based on whether you have won the lineout ball or not.
Attack the gain line by running straight forward with the ball.
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.
Set up players like the back of the lineout and a midfield. The midfield players must align flat.
Development
Swap around the players so the ball is delivered from both sides of the pitch.
Add more players into the lineout area.
Change the timings of the delivery from 9.
Let the teams know the match situation so they can decide whether to kick, pass or run.
Related Files
Advanced-231-after-the-lineout.pdfPDF, 157 KB
Shout which team will get the ball. The players realign to attack and defend.
Game situation
Set up the players as in the bottom picture. Have the ball thrown to the two jumpers, who contest for it. The winner passes the ball to his 9 to initiate play. Inevitably, the quality of this pass will vary. Play as in the main session. Develop the game by adding players to the lineout and by asking your team to work on the plays they might employ in a match.
Two players contest a lineout before the ball is released into the midfield.
Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is the assistant coach with University of Bristol Women's team and is a coach mentor for Broad Plain RFC mini and juniors section.
He was Head Coach of Swansea Schools U15 and has previously held coaching roles with the Young Ospreys Academy and as Assistant Coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup. He was director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. P...
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The fly half (10) has a controlling position to launch his team away from the opposition and into open spaces. He needs to be comfortable ...
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