THE LINE OUT
The line-out is one of the facets used to start play, after the ball has been out of play. The most important object of the line-out is to obtain possession. By controlling the ball in the line-out, players can use this as platform from which to launch attacks. The backs stand 20 metres apart so advantage can be more easily reached. The formation of the line-out is generally numbers: 1, 4, 3, 5, 6, 7 and the eighthman at the end of the line-out, although this formation can be changed at one’s discretion to ensure better possession. The hooker throws the ball in. The lineout must be between 5 and 15 metres deep. The following should be remembered:
•	A minimum of two players from each team is required to form a line-out	•	The line-out starts as soon as the ball leaves the hands of the player throwing the ball in
•	The maximum number of players would be decided by the team that is throwing the ball in	•	The line-out ends when the ball has been thrown or tapped towards the scrumhalf
•	There must be a gap of 1 metre between the two teams lining up	•	The line out also ends once the ball has crossed the 5 metre distance
•	Players in the line-out from the team who are throwing the ball in may not fall out	•	The line out also ends once the maul has moved across the throw-in line
•	The ball must travel for at least 5 metres
Always remember never to take the feet out from under the player in the air as this can result in catastrophic injury. The jumper must always be protected from falling or being pulled over.
SUPPORT
•	The players in front of and behind the jumper should be aware of the direction in which the ball is going to be thrown, as well as whether the jumper will be moving forwards or backwards, as this will enable them to assist the player to jump higher (by grasping his shorts to lift him), and to protect him from being pushed over or falling.	•	The rest of the players in the line-out form a protective wall around the main supporters and the jumper
THE THROWER
The thrower will use different techniques for throwing the ball into the line-out. These include high throw ins, fast throw ins, slow throw ins and straight throw ins, all of which are practised extensively to protect players jumping for the ball. The thrower must practise accuracy as this will determine the success of the line out in the majority of cases.
IMPORTANT FACTS TO REMEMBER:
•	The thrower must grasp the ball correctly to ensure accuracy of direction	•	The jumper must be protected whilst in the air
•	The thrower must throw over his head	•	The players must carry out the jumping and support simultaneously
•	The thrower must follow through on his throw	•	The jumper must be able to deflect the ball with one hand in a controlled direction
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