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Rugby lineout

Reach for the stars! When the ball goes into touch restarts are often spectacular. The rugby lineout - understand.

The lineout

Forwards from the two teams form two close parallel lines and the ball is thrown from the touch line into the gap between the two lines.

Your team throws the ball if they put the ball into touch. If your team put the ball into touch, they throw.

The throwing team has an advantage because they know how high it`s going and where it`s going to land.

Players jump or are lifted to catch or deflect the ball. Even if your team isn`t throwing you`re in with a chance - have a go.

A one metre gap is required between the two lines of players in a rugby lineout and the ball is thrown in above this gap, usually high above the players.

Until you know more, avoid contact with opposition players before the ball is thrown in or when they are off the ground (in the air) - contact will often result in penalties.

Get possession and you determine what happens next.

you can keep the ball in the forwards so they can use weight and strength to make progress

individual players may barge forward carrying the ball if that is possible - you must avoid getting isolated and losing possession of the ball. Avoid contact with team mates in front of you - it would cause a penalty

multiple players can combine (form a maul) and carry the ball forward amongst them - avoid situations where the ball carrier or the maul comes into contact with other players in front of the ball - they are offside and a penalty will be given
multiple players may also combine if the ball has gone to the ground - then it`s a ruck. The players in the ruck can advance the ball by pushing forward, staying bound and keeping the ball at their feet.

you can give the ball to the backs, they will use their speed, strength and evasion techniques to move the ball forwards.

What you do will depend on the advantages/disadvantages your team has in terms of position on the field and on the relative strengths of the backs and forwards grouping of the two teams.

"Touch" and lineout rules are long and complex.
For more information on the basics and a link to full IRB information look on this site at rule number 19 in basic rugby rules.

Return from Rugby lineout to How to play rugby

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Sydney, Australia