A Great Short Lineout

Having less than seven players in lineouts can have lots of benefit.

Why?

The reasons for shortening the lineout depend on the circumstances of the team, the position on the field and the nature of the opposition. The main reasons for using the tactic are:

To launch big forwards (who are not involved in the lineout) into the midfield.
If you're having difficulty securing your own ball with a full lineout.
To counter a taller team's lineout.
To secure the ball in defence without risking opening up both sides of the field.
To vary the options and disrupt the opposition.
It's also an excellent tactic for those younger sides that cannot lift in the lineout.

Where?

Generally, between the 22m lines. The dangers of using the tactic on the opposition line are that the defending side may have more numbers nearer to the lineout. This makes shortened lineouts closer than 10m to the opponent's line far less appealing.

However, a well worked five man front peel (attacking inside the 5m and touchline) can have an element of surprise.

If you use a short lineout in your own 22m, there will be fewer opposition forwards to put pressure on a clearance. The chances of disruption are also reduced and the referee should have a clearer view.

However, it's a dangerous tactic. Lose the ball and your defence is likely to be poorly positioned to deal with an attack. An opposing player could quite easily run for 10 metres without being tackled, or simply catch and dive over the line if close enough.

How?

A shortened lineout works well if the following work well:

A quick call and execution: Don't spend too much time setting up the lineout. The opposition might be able to counter the jumps if they have the chance to organise their numbers.

Quick feet: In a lineout this means the jumper moving to the lifting or jumping zone as quickly as possible. The last metre or so of movement requires the greatest "footfall" – the most steps per second.

This balances the player, squares the feet and hips to the lifter or jumper. Both jumpers and lifters need to be able to achieve this, running forwards and backwards.

The "five man slider"

This is a great short lineout tactic to allow you the option to throw short or long, and confound your opponent.

Set up a five man lineout. Split the lineout into two groups, the front and back jumpers each with a lifter, with the "slider" standing between the two groups.

The "slider's" job is to react to the throw to help lift either the player in front or behind him. The other pair of players, not involved in the lift or jump, reacts according to how the play develops.