Rugby coaching four-man lineout to the middle

Why it works

• It challenges the opposition to either match numbers, cover the gaps or stack the lineout, leaving gaps in midfield.
• In midfield areas you can introduce the spare forwards into the first phase of play. Nearer your own line, you will have the numbers behind the lineout to cover tap backs.

Good if you have

• A full lineout under pressure from a bigger pack with more jumping options.
• Forwards you want to use to attack from the backline.
• A need to play very wide and get forwards there early.

Common mistakes

• Compressing the line. Keep the space between the players and use the entire 10 metres.

Think about

• Putting a big forward in the receiver position, to run at gaps on receiving the ball.
• As a distraction using 3 to cover the overthrow or to receive the ball for a back peel, in which case 9 covers the overthrow.

In the pictures above, players spread out evenly along the line (picture 1). 4 and 5 move towards 3 (picture 2). 4 and 5 then turn back to 1, who moves to meet them (picture 3). 4 takes a lob ball while 3 covers the overthrow (picture 4).

This exercise is from The Lineout and How to Win It manual.