Rugby scrums and lineouts explained

Why rugby has set pieces

A set piece is an organized restart where players line up in a planned way to contest the ball. In rugby union there are two main ones: the scrum and the lineout. The scrum restarts play after a small error, like a knock-on. The lineout restarts play after the ball goes out over the sideline. Both exist to get the ball back into play fairly, and both give the team with the ball a chance to start a planned attack.

What a scrum is

In standard rules, a scrum has eight forwards from each team bind together in three rows and push against the other pack. The scrum-half of the team that was awarded the scrum feeds the ball into the tunnel between the two front rows. The front rows then try to hook the ball back with their feet while the rest of the pack pushes. Once the ball comes out the back, the scrum-half or the number eight picks it up and play carries on.

Forwards have specific places in the scrum. If you want a refresher on who stands where, see rugby positions explained.

When a scrum is awarded

• After a knock-on, when a player loses the ball forward.
• After a forward pass, when a ball is thrown toward the opponent's goal line.
• When the ball is stuck in a ruck or maul and neither side can free it, with the referee deciding who gets the feed.
• For some minor rule breaks the referee chooses to treat as a scrum rather than a penalty.

The team that did not make the mistake normally gets to put the ball in. That is the reward for playing within the rules.

Scrums and young players

The scrum is the part of rugby that varies the most by age. Many youth programs do not use contested scrums at the youngest ages. Common approaches include a non-contested scrum, where the team with the feed simply wins the ball, a smaller scrum with fewer players, or no scrum at all with a tap restart instead. Rules about when full contested scrums begin, how many players take part and how hard they may push vary by league and governing body, so ask yours. Scrum technique is taught step by step by coaches trained for it, and a player should never be placed in a scrum without that instruction.

What a lineout is

When the ball goes out over the sideline (called going into touch), play restarts with a lineout. In standard rules the two teams form two parallel lines facing the sideline. A teammate, usually the hooker, throws the ball in straight down the gap between them. Players try to catch it as it arrives. The team that did not last touch the ball before it left the field normally gets to throw it in.

Jumpers and lifters

In many versions of the game, jumpers are lifted by teammates so they can reach the ball higher. Lifting is a skill that takes practice, and many youth programs limit or ban lifting at younger ages. In those programs, players simply jump or stand and catch the ball. Check with your league to see what is allowed.

Scrum and lineout side by side

What to watch for as a parent

1. Watch the feed. The ball should go in straight, not toward one team's side.
2. Watch whether the scrum stays steady and level. A collapsed scrum is stopped quickly by the referee.
3. Watch the lineout throw. A crooked throw hands the other team a chance to take over.
4. Listen to the referee. They often explain calls aloud at youth level, and that is the best free lesson in the rules.

Common beginner mistakes

• Standing in the wrong place at a set piece. Players not in the scrum or lineout usually must stay a set distance back. Referees are patient with beginners, but ask your coach where to stand.
• Thinking the scrum is all strength. Body position, timing and teamwork matter more than size.
• Not knowing the restart. After a knock-on, the game resumes with a scrum, not a throw or kick, and that surprises many new families.

Questions to ask your coach or league

• Are scrums contested at my child's age group?
• How many players are in a scrum, and who is trained to play there?
• Is lifting allowed in lineouts?
• Are there alternatives, like a tap restart, for the youngest players?

Once you know the set pieces, the next piece to learn is what happens after a tackle. Our guide to rucks and mauls picks up there, and the rugby rules for beginners page ties it all together.

A tip for beginners

If a set piece looks confusing from the sideline, ask your child to explain it afterward. Players often understand their own job well even when the whole picture is hard to see, and explaining it to you is good practice for them. Many clubs also offer short parent sessions that walk through the basics.

Two common myths

The first myth is that the scrum is a brawl. In fact it is a tightly controlled contest, and referees stop it quickly if it becomes unsafe. The second is that only big players matter at set pieces. Timing, technique and teamwork often decide who wins the ball, and lineout jumpers and throwers need accuracy as much as size.

Sources and further reading

1. 19 Scrum World Rugby
2. Laws of the Game World Rugby
3. Players and positions World Rugby

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Frequently asked questions

What is a scrum in rugby?

A scrum is a restart in which forwards from each team bind together and push, while the ball is fed in between the front rows. It is awarded after minor errors like a knock-on or forward pass.

What is a lineout in rugby?

A lineout is a restart after the ball goes out over the sideline. Two lines of players face each other and a teammate throws the ball in straight between them.

Do kids play contested scrums?

It depends on the league and age group. Many programs use non-contested or smaller scrums at younger ages, so ask yours.

Can players be lifted in a lineout?

In many versions of the game, yes, but many youth programs limit or ban lifting at younger ages. Check your league.

Who throws the ball in at a lineout?

Usually the hooker, though any player on the team may throw it in.