Lineout: good and bad

WHY USE IT

This session connects a lineout with what happens in the phase after the lineout.

SET UP

Cones, ruck pads and balls.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Two defenders start on two of the five cones spread along the potential length of the lineout. A lineout pod, plus one player, move to the lineout and position themselves opposite a free cone. The ball is thrown in.

Clean catch: If there is a clean catch, the ball is passed to the spare player. They put the ball down on the ground, and the players run to a ruck pad about 15m to the side of the lineout. The spare player picks up the ball and pops it to the pod of players who are coming around to the far side of the ruck pad. The defenders move around to defend that side. Play full contact.

Fumbled or missed ball: If there is no clean catch, or the ball is missed, then the lineout players have three seconds to get to a ball which is 10m away and behind the lineout. One of the players picks up the ball and runs through the box in front, while the defenders aim to stop them. Play full contact.

Game situation: Split your forwards in two. They compete at one lineout. When the lineout is over, they run to a 20m box about 10m away and play against each other until a try is scored, or an infringement occurs. Throw the ball to one of the teams of forwards as they run over, with the ball going to the team who won the lineout.

1. A jumping pod moves into the line where there is a space

2. Two defenders occupy two of the cones

3. The hooker throws in

SUCCESS

1. If the jump and catch is successful, the ball is passed to the receiver, who runs over to a ruck pad

2. The defenders and jumping pod run around to play from the ruck pad, with the receiver passing to the pod

FAIL

1. If the jump and catch is unsuccessful, the players run to a ball at the back of the box

2. Release the defenders three seconds after the lineout, while attackers come forward