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The Lineout Game - Defence

Defending against the lineout throw is a key area for disrupting the opposition and their attacking platform. The defending jumper can be very effective by getting a hand in between the opponents’ hands and disrupting the catch. This may also block the vision of the opponent who wishes to follow the flight of the ball

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In this section, we will look at defending against the lineout throw. Notice how the near side team in blue are constantly looking for triggers that will indicate the opposition jumping. The intention for the player defending the throw is to block the catcher's vision of the ball. This will at least disruptive clean take Again, we see good communication between the members of the Pod looking for triggers. And a hand blocks the sidelines of the catcher. By getting a hand into the sightline. The defending player does not even need to touch the ball to disrupt a clean catch. In this example the player uses the same technique of obscuring the sidelines, but this time from behind the catcher and the result is the same. Here the player on the right in Black ignores the movement of the pot. He's marking and watch it for a trigger from the thrower. This clip shows another tactical option. Note the left side players in blue possibly the team's lightest forward number seven is lifted by the tallest player number five. This gives extra height and speed allowing the pot to catch up and steal the ball in front of the opposition. A further option is to pull down the intended driving mall before it is set up. As the jumper cannot be pulled down until he is landed back to the ground timing is important not only for safety but for Effective defense. Here again, the drivers anticipated and the defending player who also jumped in this case X the pull-down perfectly and disrupts the drive.