Not everyone is cut out to play Hooker. Hookers need to be adaptable. They’re grunts, angry grunts who do mainly grunt work. But they are grunts who, similarly to a 9, 10 or place-kicker, can potentially kill a game if they do not perform their additional task to the grunting.
The Lineout.
Success in the lineout is a continuous ideal for any self-respecting pack of forwards. Like scrummaging, it is an art rooted in organisation, timing and pressure. It is the Hooker who must cope with this pressure.
The guy who throws your Darts needs to be a composed individual. He should have a level of intelligence that is beyond average. He should be able to read the game. He should be a leader. Leaders can handle pressure. His routine should be similar to that of a place-kicker, rehearsed over and over. He should have a rhythm for every throw.
From scratch…
- Face the line out square on. Keep the hips in line with the lineout…
- Feet position is a matter of preference. Comfort is king here.
- Picture the space you are planning to hit.
- Trust your jumpers
- Follow through with straight arms, finishing with your thumbs together like a picture-frame after the ball has been released.
- Practice Practice Practice
Many players are under the illusion that set-piece time is really a break in play and a breather for both teams. This attitude will only make the life of a hooker more difficult, and even the best crumble under pressure when their is no support. There is no room for illusionists at the line-out, only cool, attentive grunters.
