Technical

by Rugby IQ

Introduction

The line-out is a set piece, which in turn is an entry into the game (restart). Like most restarts, they can be developed to produce different types of ball.

The driven line-out is solely used by the forwards and given to the backs after or during the drive. Whereas of OTT line out is predominately ball for the backs. So in simple terms driven line out is forwards ball and OTT line-out is backs ball. There are lots of variations to both set pieces and so this statement isn’t set in stone but generally correct. For example, backs can have good ball from a mini drive at the back of a line-out, which can be just as effective as OTT. We will describe both line-outs and then finish with a conclusion.

DRIVEN LINE-OUT

Full Line-Out

Nearly all driven line-outs only involve the forwards, with the backs receiving the ball after or during the drive. The driven line-out can be used in any area on the pitch and can be a great attacking tool or platform. If you break through from a driven line-out then usually there is open undefended space.

The three standard areas where drives start from once the ball has been caught and secured, are the front (2 jumper), the middle (4 jumper) and the back (6 jumper). The easiest to execute will be at the front, with the difficulty increasing as the thrower throws longer to the middle and back.

Even as previously stated, driven line-outs can be used in any area on the pitch, usually the best area is inside both the 22s. Firstly, inside the attacking 22, most people know about the attacking 5m catch and drive. If executed well, is very hard to defend and a lot tries are scored from these line-outs. Secondly inside the defending 22, the same style of catch and drive can be used. The difference when inside the defending 22 is the outcomes. The drive will be created in the same controlled manner but with the ball being produced normally to kick, to relieve pressure. Both ploys whether attacking or defending will be the same anywhere in the 22 not just 5m from the try line.

The backs tend to not want the ball of driven line-outs, especially in the 5m zone, as the opposition backs are closer to the attacking team as the 10m rule doesn’t apply when on your try line. Thus it makes it harder to generate momentum and create space.

In the middle third of the pitch the driven line-out is still used but as the try line will be to far to drive and teams don’t normally aim to kick away to much possession. So driven line-outs are used in this area to tie in defenders and to create other plays. For example: rolling mauls, set backs play, blind side attacks and create room for big ball carries.

Short Line-out

The driven short line-out has all the same ingredients as the full line-out, with the obvious lack of numbers, but tends to be used predominately used in the middle third of the pitch. With the surprise element  always the main weapon. From a short line-out in the middle third, the drive will be used in the same way as a full line-out to create some other play. Not used as much as a full driven line-out, as the shortened line-out tends to used for OTT ball.

OF THE TOP LINE-OUT

Full line-out

All OTT line-out ball is given to the backs normally through the outside half. This is a very effective attacking weapon to inject runners into the opposition backs and cross the gain line quickly. The best area for attack, unlike the driven line-out is the middle third, expanding into the oppositions 22.

The three main sources will be front, middle and back again, but with the best ball and most potent source coming from the back then middle. Once again the back ball means a longer throw, so also the difficulty increases. The reason the back or middle ball is so effective over the front ball, is the opposition back row will be involved in challenging for the throw or loose ball. This then means the midfield runners have no extra defenders in the shape of forwards. Most of the ball from this source will be ran, in the shape of a set move or as previously mentioned, a runner launched into the midfield.

Short Line-out

These line-outs make possession easier to obtain, as there isn’t as many opposition in the line-out, which in turn means the jumpers have more space to switch, dummy and move around. So this type of line -out almost is guaranteed, if that’s possible. With this type of ball, teams tend to have planned moves with forwards linking up with the backs. Usually sending in the better ball carrying forwards up the middle.

The downside to this shortened line-out is that there are more defenders in the attacking zone, a full set of backs and the remaining forwards. But this is not a major problem as already mentioned line-outs are merely restarts into the game, so this is a very good source for a restart.

SIMILARITIES

The hooker is a key factor in both line-outs and has become a major skill in today’s game. The lifters need upper body strength in both line-outs, with good technical skill and needs to give confidence to their jumpers. The jumpers requires good strength, agility and great hands in all line-outs.

Movement for the jumpers is a very important factor in today’s game, as the lifting laws have been relaxed. The movement will happen more in OTT line-outs but movement is still required in driven line-outs.

CONCLUSION

Both line-outs are very effective in certain areas of the pitch and both should complement a good team’s game plan. As already mentioned backs will naturally favour OTT line-outs, as it gives them good quick ball, which if executed well gives the player a bit of room, before contact. The driven line-out is all down to the forwards, they decide when the ball is to released and this can be predetermined or until the drive stops.

The conditions will dictate the line-out calls, if the weather is very wet and windy, then line-outs could turn into a lottery. The decision could be all line-outs will be driven to secure possession. The same decision could also be made if the hooker is having a bad throwing day and can’t hit the middle or back ball.

If the teams strength is in the backs for example and have a light set of forwards, then OTT line-outs could be a major game plan, get the ball away from the opposition forwards and into the backs hands.

My conclusion is both are needed as rugby can be like a game of chess, you must keep the opposition guessing and also you need to test out here weaknesses. The game plan has to be flexible and be able to change/adapt to all circumstances. Both line-outs complement each other, with neither out weighing the other.

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