Winning wet lineouts

WHY USE IT

Shortened lineouts in wet weather reduce the chances of dropping the ball and conceding territory.

SET UP

Balls, a 10m square, players split into groups of four – a pod of three (two lifters and jumper) and a thrower.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: The pod of three stands at one corner of the square, with the thrower facing them 5m away (see top illustration). The jumper is lifted, and the hooker throws the ball to meet them at their maximum height (see middle illustration). Once the jumper lands, the pod runs to the next cone, while the hooker makes their way to the first cone (see bottom illustration). The pod sets itself, and the lift and jump takes place as before. The pod and thrower then advance to the next cone, until they have made their way round the box.

COACHING POINTS

• The pod moves across the ground and into the air quickly, to allow the thrower as easy a throw as possible.
• The lifters watch the jumper’s feet, and react to when they move.
• The player at the front lifts just above the knee, with the rear lifter just beneath the buttocks.
• Lifters power up, with a slight dip beforehand.
• Lifters have their arms fully extended above their head, with both lifters in the ‘A-frame’ position.

• A pod of two lifters and one jumper stand on one corner

• A thrower stands 5m away

• Lifters should watch the feet of the jumper to react

• The thrower aims to hit the jumper at their maximum height

• Lifters arms fully extended above the head to form an A frame

• Front lifter lifts just above the knee, rear lifter at the buttocks 

• After the jump, the pod moves to the next cone to repeat

• Look for the pod getting into position quickly between each throw

• The thrower now stands 10m away

• Repeat on each corner