Use the receiver – that is, the player in the 9 position – to create an extra man in the lineout. Regardless of how the opposition reacts, there will always be a spare player to receive the throw.
In reduced lineouts, jumpers can move to draw their defenders – creating space at the front, rear or middle. The receiver (not necessarily the 9) then runs into the hole to take the throw. If the defenders don’t shadow the jumpers, one of these must be free to receive instead.
Set up as above with the attack (blue) compressing the lineout centrally.
There are three options for the play: Option 1: Both blue jumpers run forward towards the touchline.
If white follow, the hooker throws long to the back for the 9 to run onto.
If white don’t follow, the hooker throws flat to the unmarked jumper(s).
Option 2
Both blue jumpers run back towards the 15m line.
If white follow, it creates a space for the 9 to run onto a throw at the front. If white don’t follow, a lob to the back secures the ball.
Option 3
The two blue jumpers separate, moving forward and back.
If white follow both jumpers, the 9 can take a lob ball in the middle.
If one or both white players don’t follow, it gives an option to the unmarked blue player(s).
TECHNIQUE
Operate quickly. A fast set-up and sharp movement gives opponents no time to think. It may also wrong-foot the immediate defence (receiver and hooker).
Good shape in rugby means your players are into position quickly to attack from the next phase. The shape refers to threatening alignments, with all ball-carrying options well supported. MORE
Pressurise opposition lineouts by making their front ball a risky option. You need to combine speed, accuracy and anticipation to read their movements and beat them to the throw. Here’s how… MORE
“Get deep!” is a common call to get the backline to be in a position to run onto the ball. One way is to ask the players whether they can see the number on the back of the inside player. How can you create better scenarios though?
You can create scenarios where the players must run into position and then react. That’s because the game is dynamic – rucks and/or mauls happen at different speeds. MORE
Use the catch and drive, or the front peel to make the best use of front ball. The front peel is the perfect counter punch to a defence that sets up to defend a catch and drive. MORE
Players must win the race to the best space when attacking. In defence, players must work early, scan early and look to close space to force errors.
Attackers seek space, defenders take it away. This is also true over the ball.
Run this game over a series of sessions to gain the most benefit as the players develop their understanding of the tactical implications. MORE