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Sevens Scrum and Lineout

SEVENS   3- Scrum & Lineout

The set pieces are all about gaining and retaining possession on your ball and contesting possession on the opposition ball.  There are a few basic skills and tactics required to be successful and these should be practiced occasionally, preferably against opposition so that your team is well aware of what the requirements are.

SCRUMS snookyweb

Own ball:   Set up square with the hooker binding under the props so that they can get out quickly.  It is important that the attacking team combine the hit, put in and strike all as quickly as possible before the opposition get a chance to upset their ball.
In general the tighthead should hit in hard and maintain the pressure. The loosehead should drive in square and work with the tighthead in maintaining the shape.  If they are not under pressure he can experiment in helping the hooker strike for the ball by following the ball with his outside foot or by lifting his inside foot to clear the channel.
If the opposition are pushing and pulling the best attack is to drive forward together. Other alternatives, such as the props hitting and holding their ground can be practiced.
Once the ball is hooked the props should stay bound on to the opposition so they do not get a flying start and the hooker should be out quickly to support the halfback.
If the scrum is under pressure and the ball has to be hooked quickly it is a good idea to have the first receiver back in the pocket position behind the scrum so that the ball may go directly to them. If the ball is held up the halfback will need to pass or kick it to this player.

Opposition ball:
As with the 15 man game the scrum can become a game within the game. At each defensive scrum the team can apply pressure in a variety of ways.  Some examples include waiting and not going down early to upset the rhythm of the attack team, and once you go down hit quickly in response to the anticipated quick ball by the attackers.   Alternatively the loose head may hit in hard and keep driving forward whilst the tighthead holds his ground so that the scrumhalf can put a lot of pressure on his opponent.
The hooker can assist with the drive but must be ready to quickly get out and take up the defensive position on the left hand side of the scrum (assuming your halfback is on the right) The most likely scenario for both sets of props is to drop immediately back or go almost directly forward after the scrum to take up the attack or defensive positions. The concept will be that the part of the field where the scrum has taken place belongs to the props.

LINEOUTS

Own ball:  The best lineout is no lineout at all so teams should be encouraged to regroup and get the ball in quickly before a lineout has been formed.
The basic lineout has three players with the half/hooker throwing the ball in and then running around to receive the ball and run or distribute. Getting the ball in quickly before the opposition is set is an easy method or a number of calls can be made up for front, middle and back. It is vitally important that the throw is not difficult by being under pressure or having to throw too long and not hitting the target.
Apart from that the lineout can have two players in a 10 metre line which provides ample opportunity for plenty of movement with the aim of catching the ball in space.  The preference would be for the jumper to do most of the movement so that the lifter is able to be as stable as possible.  Another option is for a decoy jump at the front and the ball thrown over the back to the halfback. Alternatively, the two forwards could come together and lift the halfback, either at the front, middle or back, depending on the call. If the halfback enters the line, either as a jumper or lifter, they cannot enter until after the ball is thrown in. Coaches and players can use their imagination, come up with a plan, and practice against opposition. As with most lineouts the correct call is all important so that as much pressure is taken out of the situation as possible.
Opposition ball:  
Normally the halfback will cover the back ball and the hooker will cover the front before becoming the sweeper on defence.  This leaves two forwards only who will compete for the ball. Try some options such as the back forward already attached to the front jumper and is moving up and down the line just in front of their second jumper. If these two become proficient at their movement and explosive jump they will be able to place the attackers under pressure. If the attack brings in the halfback still go up against them so that the thrower is under pressure.  If the defending team have a couple of athletic and reasonably tall individuals they could ‘go up’ individually and cause problems for the thrower and jumpers by being aggressive and getting a hand on the ball.
If the defence is playing confidently they could put a group of three against the attacking jumpers.  They will need to practice lots of quick movements backwards and forwards and getting in the air quickly once the opponents throw the ball in. Be careful not to be left short of defenders if you put three in the jumping group.  Come up with a plan and stick to it. Take time to practice against opposition and set up the various scenarios.