Rugby coaching tips for an Italian lineout defence
What do you do in the opposition's 22m when they have the lineout throw? These rugby coaching tips cover an innovative tactic the Italians sometimes use.
Key rugby coaching tip
Instead of competing for the ball in the air, instead of driving into the jumper when they reach the ground, instead of pulling the jumper to the ground before a maul forms… the Italians do nothing!
As expected the opposition catch the ball and, as they've practised frequently, quickly form a "cluster" of players around the jumper. A team-mate rips the ball from the jumper and moves it to the back of the "cluster", where, under usual circumstances, it would be safest.
Don't maul with the opposition
Crucially, however, because the Italians aren't engaging, there's no maul. This means their hooker can whip around behind the opposition "cluster" and tackle the ball carrier at the back. Since there's no maul, there's no offside... just confused opponents.
Putting the tactic into practice
If you're going to try this yourself, you should note the following key rugby coaching points:
- Before the game, tell the referee about the tactic. It will look unusual and any referee who is caught unawares may not see it in the correct light and penalise you.
- You must make no effort to compete for the ball at the lineout. Even better step away from the opposition. This avoids any chance of contact.
- It's best performed in their 22m area. You will lose ground, but should cause enough confusion to give you an advantage.
- Spread your defenders in the lineout, so any efforts by the opposition to perform a peel (where the jumper pops the ball to a runner) can be thwarted.
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