The most used lineout defence is the contest, but what is the contest?

Quite simply it is attempting to catch the opposition throw, but is it as simple as this?

Front contest – this is used by the majority of sides this is when your front jumper at 2 attempts to anticipate the throw and take the ball. To do this they must look at the following.

Anticipate the throw – all hookers and jumpers have cues, most or subconscious get to know your opposition’s cues and this will help with anticipation.

Timing – like any lineout jump, the timing between jumper and lifters is crucial, without it the jump will not work.

Aggressive Jump – the jump must be aggressive ideally you should get in front of your opponent and get higher than they do, this will give more success.

In the majority lineout’s you will not take the opposition ball, but a god contest will put pressure on the opponents and disrupt their plans.

Middle/Back Contest most senior sides will use a middle contest, the key points are the same as the front contest and the purpose is the same.

The fashion now is to contest at front and middle to put pressure on the opposition throw, this can give dividends by making your opponents throw off the top; but it can also leave you exposed.

If the opponents take good ball you have little defence against the formation of a maul. In addition there will be a weak spot between your lifting units that can be exposed by opposition.

An alternative is to combine the front contest with a split (covered next time) or a sack.

What can be said without debate is that your lineout defence strategy should be thought out and practiced, not only should it be what is best for you, but more importantly which would be the best for countering the opposition strengths.

Donny