LTPDst3cover.qxd (Page 1) - Scottish Rugby Union

ATTACKING THE GAIN AND TACKLE LINESThe gain line is the imaginary line through the breakdown. The attacking team aim to getacross this line in order to achieve a territorial advantage over the opposition. Conversely, thedefending team should look to prevent the attack from crossing the gain line. The gain lineis highlighted in the diagram below. The yellow line of cones running directly through themiddle of the ruck in the photo is the gain line.The tackle line is the point where the attack and defence meet and there are a number offactors that affect its position including:1. alignment (deep of flat) of the attack;2. skill level of the attack; and3. line speed of the defence.Alignment in AttackGAIN LINE5m15m141199151012101215131315m5m14ATTACKTACKLE LINE11DEFENCE5m 22m 10m HALF 10m22m 5mWAYFlat AlignmentAligning flat will give the attacking team the benefit of being closer to the gain line.This places increased pressure on the defence and allows the attacking team to exploit spacesquickly. In order to exploit space, attackers require accurate and fast handling skills due tothe proximity of the defence.5m15mSET PIECE11109151215m5mATTACK1413DEFENCE5m 22m 10m HALF 10m22m 5mWAY61