Rugby Lifting Blocks are seen as an essential for anybody being lifted or doing the lifting in the lineouts. This is our quick and easy to read guide on exactly what they are and how they're applied.
WHAT ARE RUGBY LIFTING BLOCKS?
Let's start by establishing exactly what it is that we're discussing. Rugby Lifting Blocks can come in lots of different shapes and sizes, but all of them are used to strap to the thighs of your lineout jumpers to help your lifters get a better grip of you when they're throwing you up to catch the ball.
Like I mentioned, they do come in a few different sizes, but in our case, it's a simple lightweight piece of foam. If you're careful with them, you can potentially even use them for multiple games.
As well as your Lifting Blocks, the only tapes you're going to need is a Tear EAB and a roll of Sock Tape (sometimes referred to as electrical tape). This is how to apply them...
HOW TO STRAP YOUR LIFTING BLOCKS
STEP 1
Make sure you've got two Lifting Blocks, a roll of 7.5cm Tear EAB and a roll of Sock Tape in front of you. Get started by placing your first Lifting Block slightly above your knee and grab your Tear EAB. Stretch the bandage and place it directly over the Lifting Block.
STEP 2
Now you're going to want to just wrap it around the thigh 2-3 three times to get full coverage. So, make sure it's secure in place.
STEP 3
Now we're going to make sure it's secure as possible by adding some of our Sock Tape. Over the top of your application, wrap your leg just above and slightly below the Lifting Block to effectively secure it in place. Once that's all in place, repeat these steps on your other leg.
ARE THERE ANY REGULATIONS?
Whilst the official regulations are slightly unclear among players and coaches, they are considered a must-have in lineouts regardless. Generally, as long as they're made of foam and don't stick out much more than 2-3cm from the thigh, it's unlikely any referee would ever call you out for them.
That's exactly why the SPORTTAPE Lifting Blocks are so simple. They aren't complicated, the size is ideal for both larger and smaller hands and they do exactly what you need them to.
And that's it! Lifting Blocks aren't complicated. Strap them to your lower thighs using some Tear EAB, secure them with some Sock Tape and you're ready to soar. Anything that will help give you the smallest of advantages on the pitch, right? If you have any questions about anything to do with them or anything else rugby related, get in touch! We're happy to help!
