The ELVs and Lineouts

The ELVs have resulted in a number of changes to the lineout laws.

The ELVs (experimental law variations) came into force on August 1st. The lineout laws in particularly have had a number of changes.

I deal with a couple of them here but you can read about the full set of changes in my free guide, The Coaches' Guide to Surviving the ELV. Click here to visit The Huddle, the rugby coaches' forum, and download the guide.

In general, throwers and jumpers will need to work just as hard to win the ball in the lineout, and the catch and drive will be as crucial as before.

Rule change

A quick throw in may be thrown in straight or towards the throwing team's own goal line.

Technical issues: Wingers making and taking long passes. Players need to be in position to take the throw. They need to think about arcing round from midfield positions, looking to find space to run on to the ball from behind the throw.

Wingers and full backs will generally need to improve their kick and chase game also.

Tactical issues: The quick throw in carries a certain amount of risk, so you need to work out how risk averse you are as a team.

A quick throw could take place some way behind the possible lineout position, so the lost ground needs to be made up. Whilst the throw should guarantee possession, the receiver then has to either run to space, and risk becoming isolated, or kick to space.

A kick return from a quick throw could be either a high ball, a chip for a shorter retrieval, a long kick to the corners or, as some sides are already doing, long down the middle of the pitch.

Overall, the quick throw needs to be part of the team's tactical plan, not just the whim of a quick witted winger. The rest of the team need to be aware of the receiver's intentions.

Rule change

There is no restriction on the number of players from either team who can participate in the lineout.

Technical issues: There is more emphasis on the speed of the jump and the accuracy of the throw.

Tactical issues: You need to decide how many players to commit to each lineout and in each area of the pitch.

In attack, how are you going to use shortened lineouts?

A three man lineout can beat a seven man lineout, it just needs to make the space to do so. A shortened lineout can then give you the opportunity to have your forwards running at their backs in the midfield.

A team that overcompensates in the defensive line might be exposed in the midfield, allowing your side to punch holes, create quicker ruck ball and attack against a more disorganised defence.

In defence do you pack each defensive lineout, even if they have forwards in the midfield? Or do you match their numbers exactly or approximately?

On wet and/or windy days, packing the lineout makes more sense, since the length and accuracy of the throw is likely to be compromised.

However there is a danger of a mismatch in parts of the pitch if you overcompensate when defending their shortened lineouts.

If you need more guidance on the ELVs then click here to download your free copy of The Coaches' Guide to Surviving the ELVs. You can also see the IRB's own video on the ELVs in The Huddle, by clicking here.