Judging the Throw-in

Focus

Skills under pressure, Defensive, Contested ball, Front & Square, Stoppages.

Skills

Ruck, Crumb.

Purpose

Every boundary throw-in will have variation in the depth and angle of the throw. Followers must carefully watch the ruckman while the ball is in-flight, and position themselves according to the predicted landing zone.

Groups of

-4

Ages

13⁺

Balls/grp

Cones

Distance (max)

20m

Opp. tops

50%

Visible opposition strip: 50%

Setup
Split into groups of 5 (if you have 5 talls who will take the ruckwork on gameday), or groups of 7 (4 rucking players), or 9 (3 rucking players) at regular intervals around the boundary. Coach or players play the role of boundary umpire. Explain the concept of where the roving players should lead: If player (B) sees the ruckman running forwards to reach a short throw-in, they should stay in area 1, as directing the ball to area 2 would be difficult. If however the throw-in is deep, (B) can also receive in area 2. Finally, if the throw-in has drifted towards the opposition ruckman, they should play a defensive role and tag player (D).
Step 1
Coach or player (E) throws the ball in, varying the distance and angle of the throw-in each time. Players (B) and (D) must watch the ruckman. In this first example, they see the ruckman charging forward as the throw-in is short.

Unless the opposition ruckman has better position, (B) calls for the tap in section 1 while (D) calls for the tap in section 3.

If the opposition ruckman looks to have an advantage, (D) follows (B) into section 1 while (B) follows (D) into section 3.

(E) can give ruckman (A) or (C) better position by throwing-in slightly to the left or right of centre.
Step 2
The second throw-in may be deep. (B) and (D) will know this as the ruckman will hold their ground immediately after the throw-in rather than run forward. (B) and (D) can now call for the ball out the backdoor by running towards sections 2 and 4 respectively.

The same rules apply regarding the throw favouring the opposition ruckman. If (B) or (D) see that the opposition ruckman has better position, they should follow the opposition rover into section 2 or 4.

The call to the ruckman must be 'backdoor!' or similar to indicate a tap over the back.
Step 3
After a tap is effected, players attempt to win the clearance. The opposition player should apply token pressure, however the exercise stops once a player has gathered the ball.
Step 4
If you have groups of 7 or 9, rotate players (B) and (D) after each contest. If a player is throwing-in, rotate them as well.