Lineout Lifting

Question
I am a 6ft8 Second Row and often find it difficult to lift from the front in a lineout. Generally I lift from behind the jumper, however we do have lineout options where I need to lift from the front.
What advice could you give about on field drills as well as strength and conditioning gym exercises, that would be able to help me improve me technique.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Andrew,

The big thing with this is timing. Working out is useful: doing power cleans, over head press, building up the rotator cuff / shoulder etc is all good but timing is more important.

You need to stay after training an work through drills to get the movement and timing of your jumper down pat. Make sure you take the same stance every line out, usually I suggest facing into the tunnel squat down hands out in front head neutral but with your jumpers feet well inside your field of view so you can see when he starts his steps. A lot of guys waste energy eye balling the opposition lineout that they are not focused on their job.

Look on You Tube for "Rugby lineout skills. drill and technique" for some good drills and lineout tips.