Transition from rucking to line attack plays
 
Transitioning into line attack is often an area that is neglected by teams & coaches. This area of the game is key to setting up a strong platform for attacking plays and if ignored can result in an attacking side losing the momentum and advantage gained from strong rucking up the field.
 
An attacking team’s objective is to maintain pressure on the opposition, hopefully forcing a defensive error that you can be exploited. Slowing down and stop starting to set up line attack allows the defence time to regroup and reset. The optimum approach is to seamlessly flow from rucking into line attack, keeping the defence on the back foot and hopefully creating opportunities to score.
 
Another point to consider is what approach to take when rucking doesn’t place ball and players in the area of the field where the attacking plays need to be initiated e.g. many line attack plays are often launched from a roll ball in the middle of the field so how should the attack be initiated if rucking takes place down the sideline?  
 
Where and when teams transition from rucking into line attack is a key point to be considered. Should this be based around the touch count, field position or a combination of both?  On the assumption that most line attack plays are setup from up to 15m out from the opposition score line teams need to ensure they are close enough to this location on the field before transitioning into line attack. Similarly if one or more touches/roll balls are required for a line attack play, players need to be aware of touch count.
 
Implementing policies to ensure players know how to transition from rucking into line attack is a great way to add that extra bit of continuity to your team and ensure you launch a more effective attacking platform. Some other key questions you may want to consider in this space include:
-          If there are only two touches or less remaining and you are not where you want to be to launch your attacking plays is it worth transitioning into line attack or continuing to ruck up the field to get maximum field position?
-          How do you get your key attacking players back into position for line attack (eg. if your key playmaker is on the wing you might want to consider using a sweeper play to help them transition into middle position).

Karl Baxter - England Touch Head Coach