Rugby union - essential skills and techniques Rugby union lineout pass

The lineout pass is the legal way to restart the game if the ball has gone out of play from either of the sidelines.

Stage one

• Face the lineout and stand on the balls of your feet in opposition – left foot forward.
• Shift your weight on your front foot, with your knee slightly bent.
• The right hand should be near the back of the ball with the fingers spread and pointing up.
• The left hand should be near the front of the ball with fingers spread and pointing up.

Stage two

• Point the ball at the lineout, raise both arms over your head and bend them slightly at the elbow.
• Bring your arms behind your head, with your elbows fully bent, close to your head.
• Weight should be on your front foot, ready for the throw.
• Bend backwards slightly at the waist.

Stage three

• Transfer your weight from front foot to back foot and powerfully rock forward.
• The arms follow this motion, so the entire upper body moves in unison.
• Release the ball when your body is bent slightly forward at the waist.
• The dominant hand pushes the ball forward.
• At the exact same time, slide the right hand down the ball to generate spin.
• As you follow through, point the hands towards the intended target.