Gary Gold, the former Springbok forwards coach who worked with the peerless Victor Matfield, said that if you have the best technique it often doesn’t matter if the opposition know where you are going jump, you will beat them anyway.
Technically, we need the thrower (and it doesn’t need to be the hooker) to throw accurately at his jumpers. We want our jumpers to get into the air quickly and if we are using lifters, for them to maximise the lifting height. All this needs to be replicated under pressure.
They are lots of moving parts in a lineout and plenty of scope for error because the players are very reliant on each other to perform their roles accurately. These drills and activities will help your players build technique and eliminate error:
Mind your language
First, the players need to understand the language of the lineout, which helps them appreciate why they are focusing on a particular aspect.
How do you take advantage of your players' skills? Conversely how do you adapt your plans to overcome an opponent who is disrupting your lineout? Here are some tactics to consider. MORE
Effective lifting
We then look more closely at lineout lifting. We have two sessions on the best ways to propel your jumper into the air in the most effective manner.
The lifter’s role is to lift and support the jumper while the jumper is in the air and bring them safely to the ground. The lifter also plays an important part in the formation of the driving maul from the lineout. MORE
Throwing in
Finally, we have two sessions on the hooker throw. First, we look at how they prepare themselves. And then we look at the best way to complete a throw.
Your own rugby lineout is a key attacking platform in the game. However good your jumpers and rugby tactics are, the throw is essential to success. The starting point for accurate throwing is a good set up by the hooker before the throw. MORE
Work on good setups and movement, jumping and organisation in your lineout pods with this dynamic activity. It should mix up roles of your players.
Let players try out different roles, even if it’s not perfect. That allows players to realise what works for all those involved in the lineout lift and jump. MORE
In this planning for post-lockdown training, we are going to look at rebuilding your lineout skills. Specifically, we want to relearn the throw, jump and catch connection. MORE
Timing between thrower and jumper is a key aspect for winning the lineout. Develop better coordination between jumper and thrower.
Concentrate on the pure jump only, with no lifting, ensuring the ball reaches the hands of the receiver at the top of his jump. MORE
