LINEOUTS Meaning and
Definition
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Lineouts refer to a specific aspect in the game of rugby where play is resumed after the ball has crossed the touchline or sideline. In this scenario, players from both teams form two parallel lines perpendicular to the touchline. The team that did not put the ball out of play is awarded a throw-in, known as a lineout. The team's designated lineout specialist, usually the hooker, throws the ball down the channel between the two lines of players. The opposing teams' players lift their designated jumpers to compete for possession of the ball.
The lineout serves as an opportunity for teams to regain possession and strategically restart the game. Teams employ various tactics and formations during lineouts to maximize their chances of winning the ball. This includes complex lineout calls, where players communicate plans beforehand, and choreographed movements involving lifters, jumpers, and supporting players.
Lineouts play a significant role in rugby, particularly in terms of momentum and territory. A team can potentially gain an advantage by winning clean possession during a lineout, allowing them to launch an attack or kick the ball for better field position. Conversely, defending teams aim to disrupt and steal the opposition's lineouts, denying them possession and potentially forcing turnovers.
Overall, lineouts are a vital element of the game, requiring teamwork, communication, and athleticism. Strategies and techniques employed during lineouts can greatly impact the flow and outcome of a rugby match.
Etymology of LINEOUTS
The word "lineout" comes from the sport of rugby. It originates from the combination of two words: "line" and "out".
In rugby, a lineout is a method of restarting play after the ball has gone out of bounds. During a lineout, players from both teams form parallel lines perpendicular to the touchline (sideline). One team throws the ball into the gap between the two lines, and players compete to catch the ball and resume play.
The term "lineout" can be traced back to the late 19th century when rugby started gaining popularity. It refers to the formation of the players in lines and the ball being thrown out to restart play. With time, "lineout" became the established term for this specific action in rugby, and it is now widely used and recognized within the sport.
