Lineout 3v3 rugby drill

To help you build better coordination in your lineout pods, try the following rugby training drill, working on attack and defence.

The practice drill

  • Two "pods" (each with two lifters and one jumper) work against each other, with a hooker throwing in to create a jumping and lifting contest for the ball.

  • The hooker works with one attacking pod for five throws while the other pod defends.

  • The pods must stand next to each other, forcing a straight jumping and lifting contest.

  • The challenge is to beat the other pod into the air for the ball.

Rugby drill to get lifters and a jumper working against each other.

The hooker then swaps over to work with the other pod and the roles are reversed.

What to call out in the drill

  • No triggers. Don't give your jump away.

  • Be dynamic but don't rush.

  • Read the opposition. What's their body language telling you?

Develop the drill

Allow the pods to move forwards, backwards or both to find a free jump. The challenge here is to be quicker on the ground and faster into the air.

Key rugby coaching tip

Competition is great for this activity. Keep a count of the success on the five throws. Make sure that for every ball the defence steal, they also steal that point. See who gets the most points out of the 10 throws.

Rugby coaching tips


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