Lineout throwing and jumping timing

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.

ACTIVITY

1. Place a thrower on his knees on the touchline. Line up your jumpers at the side of the normal lineout jumping area, opposite the 5m line.
2. The first player enters the lineout area and jumps to meet a throw from the thrower.

DEVELOPMENT

1. Set up a number of receivers out of the line. Place a defender on the 5m line, another 3m behind and a third player 3m behind him.
2. One receiver runs into a gap between the defenders to take the throw. To start with, defenders can only put their hands up to block the throws, then allow them to jump as well.

GAME

1. Put two pairs of jumpers in the middle of the box. Each pair of jumpers has their own thrower, and is marked by one defender.
2. Two defenders run around the outside of the 10m box.
3. When you shout “GO”, each thrower has 5 seconds to “find their jumper”. The perimeter defender runs to be in front of their hooker, but cannot jump to defend. The ball must be caught in the air to count.

TECHNIQUE

Extend the body when jumping, to maintain height.

Bend the knees to prepare to jump, and then straighten the legs in the air.