Line Out Lifters

Question
Hi there Nick, recently since being placed in the first team as a flanker I've been placed with a problem, that is what to do at the line out. I struggle to lift jumpers in the lineout. I'm unsure as to whether I should tell my coach about this or not. I was thinking maybe I should stay at the back of the lineout to sweep up any untidy play. Is this acceptable or does every body in the lineout need to be prepared to lift?

16 Year Old Flanker from UK

Answer
Hi Andy.

There are a lot of issues here. Fist your team should be dedicating set time to practicing your lineouts at each training. Lifters and jumpers are to be designated. The lineout is a set peice like a scrum. Asking if you should lift or jump is like asking if you should be a lock or a prop. This is not your fault, your coach should be on this.

I suggest asking your coach who he/she expects the jumpers and lifters, runners are.

In a full line out you may end up as a lifter, a jumper or 3rd: a runner who takes the ball off the jumper for a forward drive or a line out move. On defence you may also be a lifter or a jumper but the 3rd option is that you would be a scavenger/defender to steal the opposition ball or stop runners coming through the line.

The issues sound more team related. If you are confused then so are others in your team and you all need to get with the coach and designate duties and set a plan, discuss options and strategies for different types of situations in both offence and defence.