Summary

Table of Contents

A summary of the key words and phrases used in the lineout.

Formations

How we describe the different configurations of players in a lineout (4-, 5- or 7-man).

Squeeze A single pre-formed pod in the middle (i.e. 2-3-2 or 1-3-1)
Spread Even spacings between players
Split Split across front and back pods with space in the middle (i.e. 3-1-3 or 3-2)
N + 1 A 5+1 lineout is a 5-man with a forward in the receiver position (for Cold lineouts), rather than a scrum half (Hot).

Target + Movements

How we identify the target jumper and any required movements.

0 No-jump option to front
1 / 2 / 3 Front / middle / back pod
“Plus”/“Minus” (+/-) Pod steps forwards (e.g. “2+”) or backwards (e.g. “1-“)
123 (or any other combination) A series of dummy jumps (e.g. 31 is a dummy at the back before throwing to the front, or 1- 2 (“one minus, two”) is a dummy to the front pod stepping backwards, and then a throw to the middle pod)

During the lineout

Options once the lineout is formed.

“Bang” Take a quick option to the middle pod
“Set” Execute the pre-planned call
“Cancel…“ Wait for a new call to be given

Plays off lineout

How we call different options off the lineout.

Hot Give the ball to the backs
Cold Keep the ball in the forwards (direct maul)
Transfer Shift drive - jumper passes the ball down to another forward in the line to shift the initial point of contact for the maul
Flyby Bring the ball to ground for a maul before the receiver peels off to carry in the open

Defence

Defensive key words to describe our defensive setup, or that of our opposition.

Mirror Matching the opposition man for man and copying their movements
Hinge A player who stands between two jumpers, acting as a potential front lifter or back lifter depending which way he turns
2 Towers Defending a 6- or 7-man lineout with 2 complete pods ready to compete
Murder No competition in the air. Committing to sacking a maul and/or pressuring the 9-10 channel
Jack 1 Murder Compete with a front pod only.