The defence is free to use any ploy here as they try to stop the lineout drive before it has a chance to get going. But make sure they sometimes “stand off” to unnerve the attacking side.
A defender can’t be offside at the lineout if he’s tackling the ball carrier, even if the ball hasn’t left the lineout – see law 19.14(c). As long as the maul hasn’t formed, this is legal. Practise the decision-making options in this activity.
Get a hooker to throw into a 4 v 4 lineout, set up 5m from the try line.
The defending team has the option to compete at any stage, and that can mean jumping for the ball.
The attacking side aims to drive the ball over the try line.
When the catcher is on the ground, the defending team has various options. They can try to:
Use a simple drive.
Sack the catcher as he lands.
Stand off and send a player around to tackle the ball carrier at the back
Stand off and force a penalty for obstruction if the attack transfers the ball back from the front man in anticipation of a maul. Once you now engage with the attack, they should be penalised
If you have more forwards available, then add to both teams.
Referee it tough or get one of the injured or spare players to referee it.
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
Here are some of the key areas to concentrate on for the new season. You might have to think slightly differently to return to the core principles. MORE
When opposed by an excellent lineout, you need to decide which areas of the lineout to defend, how to cover the vacuum at the back of the lineout and how to beat that lineout in attack. MORE
Use this circuit to help a player test their body position over the ball. At each station, Tony (dad) checks Harry's body position, Good warm up activity. MORE