What are running lines

So you might think and want your players to run straight but straight is not really what we want to see as straight running is very easy to line up and you get smashed what we want is players going FORWARD and players hips working hard to point to the try line. Also when going Forward we want to offset the defender and there are two easy ways to do that.

In to Out

Out to in

Ins and Outs

also Known as Unders and Overs

Here are two ways for the ball carrier to take contact:

The ball carrier fixes the defender by aiming at the centre of his body. He uses footwork in the final few steps to attack the outside of the defender’s hip with the inside shoulder. So the running line is “in-to-out”. Pros:

• The ball carrier attacks space.

• The ball is protected with the entire body.

• Offloading is possible.

• The ball carrier may evade the tackle.

Cons:

• The ball carrier lacks power in contact.

• There is a higher chance of being tackled to the ground.

The ball carrier steps away from the defender earlier than an “in-to-out”. He drives dynamically back into the tackle with the final step, staying low. He wraps his inside arm around the defender’s front. He then transfers the ball to the outside hand and presents it on the hip. He continues to drive through the contact. It is almost tackling in reverse. So the running line is “out-to-in”. Pros:

• The ball carrier is in control.

• Supporters can rip the ball or set a maul.

• The ball carrier is less likely to be tackled to ground.

Cons:

• It is difficult to offload the ball.

• The ball is less well protected.

• It does not attack space.