Rugby: Reaction Lifts

The ball starts with one pod. As they are lifted the jumper is held in the air until the next pod is lifted. When the next pod reaches the top of their jump the ball is lobbed to that jumper. Once the ball has been caught they can go back to ground.

The drill continues in this way, with players working together in a piston like fashion.

• The aim of the exercise is to develop unit work, communication and good Technique.

• Lay out four cones in a square.
• Lineout thrower stands on one cone and three lineout pod players on the next cone round.
• The front and back players face inwards towards the middle player.
• The lineout taker throws to the middle players as the front and end players lift the middle man into the air.
• The lineout taker then runs to support and receives the pass from the middle man as they are on the way down.
• The lineout taker is then in place, and the three pod players run round to the next cone.
• The game has effectively reset, and the lineout takes place again.
• Overall there will be four lineout throws in the game.

• This drill is a race across the pitch or whichever distance the coach deems appropriate.
• Two teams of four: one thrower, three players in the lineout pod. The front lineout player faces towards the pod, with their back to the thrower.
• The teams are lined up next to each other, about 5-10 metres apart.
• The coach shouts GO and each team's lineout taker throws the ball as the pod lift the middle player into the air to catch the ball.
• Once the ball is caught, the middle player is let down to the ground and they leave the ball on the floor.
• The three pod players then move to the next spot ready for the next lineout throw.
• The outer pod players then lift the middle player to the air as the ball is thrown in.
• If the ball is dropped, the throw must be taken again from the same position.