Two even packs compete at the scrum, good technique creates a good and safe contest. The black team use the platform from the scrum to score a try wide out. Key factors : 8 players working as a unit - Calling - Strong body position - Hips, back and head all facing forward - Accurate binding
Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions
Women's - Straight Scrums 2
Scrums are a great platform to attack from in seven's, notice the fly half (2nd reciever) is directly behind the scrum and can choose which way to attack. Key factors : Work as a unit - Strong core - Tight binding - Leg drive
Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan
An example of a wheeled scrum
Progressiing the scrum practice always requires the underlining of the basics of the unit skill
An example of a collapsed scrum
An example of a straight scrum
This clip shows some appropriate warm up activities for the scrum
Good body posture is essential and applicable to all players regardless of age and gender
This posture transfers to the tackle, ruck, maul and in a vertical plain the lineout, so it is important that all players are coached to adopt good posture in contact
This drill acts as a warm up for the single player, with the other two simply providing resistance. The single player must maintain a strong body position and push the other two backwards.
A counter attack invlving moving the ball wide quickly, then attack defenders with support runners and finally a 2 v 1 to score in the corner. Key factors : Strong communication - Wide spin passes - Attacking the space around defenders - Support the ball carrier from behind - Offload with two hands - straight running - Flat pass
Seven's is about creating chances and then taking them. In this clip the Blue team take the ball up the middle of the pitch to draw in defenders, after recycling the ball they have a 2 v 1 opportunity, a straight line of running and a flat wide pass creates the try. Key factors : Call early - Run straight - Wide spin pass - Catch and swerve to score
A variety of passes create a 2 v 1 which is executed perfectly for the outside attacker to score. Key factors : Different angles of running and support - Comunication - Ball presentation - Effective clearing of defenders at the breakdown - Accurate wide passes - Attack the inside shoulder of the last defender - Flat spin pass
A good example of phase play to create a 2 v 1 attacking platform. The initial deep pass then creates an overlap and the defender drifts to allow the attacker to run through easily.
Key factors : Quick ball at breakdown - Straight lines of running - Deep pass - straight lines of running again - Loud communication
It’s not a matter of going through the strike move repertoire. It is about selecting appropriately from the repertoire according to the opposition and game situation.
Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running support lines will assist the offload and turn defenders.
Players can strike from any location on the pitch, in this clip the Red team relax thinking they have the attackers behind their own posts, however a strong scrum, good pass and great step create the gap to go through, the next 95 metres is all about speed and fitnes. Key factors : Space beetween attackers - Good pass - Side step - Speed - Stamina
Developing the skills into decision making down a channel
This clip outlines some of the fundamental techniques required to become a good passer of the ball from the ground, an essential skill for scrum half's. Simple and easy instructions for both coaches and players to benefit from
Junior - 2 v 1 2
The role of each position
Sevens - Full Lineout 2
A straight drive and square culture, will bring about eight players doing the same thing at the same time
To take advantage of the forwards being grouped and to utilize the space this provides, young players should be encouraged to develop their decision making from a non-prescriptive environment.
It’s not a matter of going through a strike move repertoire. Its a matter of attacking the space between the two teams and running support lines that will assist the ball carrier
The sides are now even and the players can tackle, but not attempt to steal the ball. Again, the defence must retreat 5m, giving the attackers opportunities.
A progression from the 1 v 1 drill this exercise adds extra players to make the decision making process more realistic. The coaches can vary the delivery of the ball and the width of the area to put different conditions to the players
The 2011/12 Sevens World Series saw an increase in the number of tries scored with no rucks or mauls in their build up.
Lee Dickson leads a passing session at the Northampton saints summer training camp. The focus is on doing the simple things well and progressing the practises to make things more challenging
A strong scrum can be a great weapon for attack in seven's, in this clip the Red scrum puts pressure on the defending loose head (Right hand prop) which wheels the scrum and allows the defending scrum half to disrupt the ball forcing a turnover. Key factors : Tight binding - Low body position - Leg drive - Working as a unit
The introduction of the scrum for both mini players and coaches can be confusing. This clip explains the the reasoning behind the 3 man scrum and the technical points that ned to be taught
Building the scrum in triangles
Conor O Shea disucsses what a scrum half is responsible for
Each player should understand how their individual contribution affects the scrum as a whole
A well contested scrum from both teams. Good technique and body position ensure a solid and safe scrum. The red team use this restart to kick and gain territory. Key factors : Strong body position - Tight binding between the players - Calling - Players push in a straight line - Ball control from ther no 8
A development of the 2 v 1 and 3 v1 drills, the attackers now must beat 2 defenders. This requires more decision-making ability as the movements of the defenders could change every time. Players must communicate as well as continue to perform their handling and running skills.
Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan
Testing your scrums in training using a scrum machine / sled helps to ensure all of your pack practice the correct body position and timing in cooperation with their team mates. This is a great time to try out new combinations of players before match day.
Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan
Gradually progress from 2 static defenders, to 3 v 2 roaming defenders. The first two players must draw their defenders before giving the pass.
Sale Sharks and Scotland scrum half Chris Cusiter leads a session on passing from the base of a scrum or ruck. In this first video, Chris addresses basic technique in a couple of exercises that warm up the wrists and arms.
Set piece coach George skivington from London Irish talks through some new tips to coach the scrum
At the JWC 2012 there was an increase in the number of tries scored after 7+ phases. It is taking longer to break down better defences.
An example of a straight scrum.
Coaching the scrum has a series of processes to follow and once you have established a strong body position the engagement and getting ready for the engagement is the next step
Working from a single players body position to a full scrum can be daunting for some coaches. In this clip there are simple steps to progress and the technical points are consistent
Junior Scrums
This clip provides some advice for the front row on their binding, body position and driving in the scrum.
Conor O Shea discuss the profile of scrum half
The roles of each player in channelling the ball to the number 8
The dark arts are not for all of us, but the minority of specialists will benefit from this clip. You can share this video with those who should see it. Go into the video library where you can send it on - RCD Video Library
Women's - Good contact body position/ball presentation 2
Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2
Level 2 - Second Row Bind - Traditional Bind
Junior - Wrap Tackle 2
Men's - Offloads for Continuity 2
It is important to slowly build your scrum each row at a time, particularly if there are new players in your pack, or an inexperienced front row.
A good progression from the 2 v 1 drill
Women's - 2 v 3 1
An brief summary of coaching the new scrum engage sequence. Always include a good upper body warm up and highlight the importance of a strong core with your players. Check the 'Body Position and Technique' section for full videos including hooking technique.
Great scrum halves always bring their own individual elements to the game, but an excellent command of the basic skills is essential for all of them. Join now to see position-specific exercises and tips from Aviva Premiership Rugby players and coaches.
England Scrum half Richard Wrigglesworth discusses the factors which help players improve and how to approach training
Junior - 2 v 1 1
Some useful exercises for scrum-halves to develop their passing skills.
Women's - 2 v 1
A progression from the 3 man scrum - developing body shape and positions
Women's - Exiting the 22m 2
Having identified a 2 v 1 situation, the RGS Guildford player decides not to give an early pass from the breakdown, but instead to run and commit the defender before giving a pass to his teammate. Key factors: Timing - communication - accurate passing
A game for developing players understanding of space out wide.
If a drift defence has you pointed towards the touch-line, the wide player should change their running direction and attack the inside defender. This is proactive and gives more chance for the ball to be recycled for another attempt.
Men's - Good body position in contact & ball presentation 2
Play from the scrum is essential and this is one option
Channel development into a decision making exercise with the empahsis on going straight then wide
Conor O Shea focuses on the importance of the pre-season phase
Develop decision-making skills in attack. 3 attackers must beat 2 defenders, before facing a third immediately after.
A demonstration of how to construct a full, 8-man scrum.
A strong scrum from the black team turns over the ball for an attack. The left hand prop (Loose head) puts pressure on the Red team hooker so that he does not hook the ball effectively. Key factors : Tight binding - Low driving position - Working as a unit - Leg drive
A basic 2 v 1 drill that encourages players to time their pass after they have drawn a defender, and for the supporting player to hold their depth.
Practice body position and warm up for full scrum session.
Men's - Standard restart with good catch 2