Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan
The role of each position
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
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
Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions
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.
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
This clip provides some advice for the front row on their binding, body position and driving in the scrum.
By using sticks and poles, the players are encouraged to self assess their body shape. Peer coaching is also a valuable process in this area and players can work in pairs, quickly learning from each other
Set piece coach George skivington from London Irish talks through some new tips to coach the scrum
The use of towels and bands are used to develop front row posture just before engagement when the body weight is forward and balance is important
Some useful exercises for scrum-halves to develop their passing skills.
Jon Curry at Northampton Saints discusses the new scrum laws and their implications for hookers, along with some exercises to get them up to scratch. Log in to see the full session and many others.
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
A current professional prop works with Under 18's to explain the new laws and challenges their body positions and how to improve them
The core ball provides a variety of challenges to the player in both body management and technical competence
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
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.
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
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
It’s not a matter of going through a strike move repertoire. It is more about specific selection from the repertoire in order to attack identified targets according to the opposition and game situation
Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running a support line will assist the offload and turn defenders
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.
Conor O Shea disucsses what a scrum half is responsible for
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
Building the scrum in triangles
Expensive training equipment is not necessary and the simple rugby ball can provide an excellent technical and conditioning work out
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.
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
Conor O Shea discuss the profile of scrum half
The roles of each player in channelling the ball to the number 8
Saracens and England scrum-half, Richard Wigglesworth, talks about improving your skills in your spare time.
England Scrum half Richard Wrigglesworth discusses the factors which help players improve and how to approach training
A straight drive and square culture, will bring about eight players doing the same thing at the same time
Technical pointers for senior loosehead props in the scrum. Share this video by going clicking a blue tab below and selecting the share icon
The Northampton saints scrum coach discuses the new scrum laws and specifically the role of the hooker. The hookers then try out striking for the ball and build the scrum
Each player should understand how their individual contribution affects the scrum as a whole
Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan
Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan
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
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.
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
Ex Harlequins coach explains the basic defensive principles - starting with ‘Go Forward’.
An example of a straight scrum.
The new scrum laws are providing a challenge for all levels of the game, here Jon Curry from Northampton saints questions junior players on their knowledge, clarifies his interpretation and provides some practical answers and solutions to executing an effective scrum
Junior Scrums
Practice body position and warm up for full scrum session.
Building the scrum to the full 8 man - focusing on body shape
Full scrum practice - essential at all levels of the game
Women's - Straight Scrums 2
Progressiing the scrum practice always requires the underlining of the basics of the unit skill
Principles of Play-Go forward
A demonstration of how to construct a full, 8-man scrum.
Develop the front row as a foundation for the building of the scrum
A progression from the 3 man scrum - developing body shape and positions
An example of a straight scrum
An example of a wheeled scrum
An example of a wheeled scrum
An example of a wheeled scrum
An example of a collapsed 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
Play from the scrum is essential and this is one option
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.
Performance Analysis - Scrum 8 use
Go Forward using:
Running speed and balance
Evasive running
Kicking
Using the triangles to coach an effective scrum
Putting together the scrum may vary technically and tactically and there will also be personal preference. So working on units and subunits should be a partnership between the coach and the players
With the brakes on, the scrum is more realistic to game situations, and the players must apply power at the same time to achieve any movement.
This clip shows some appropriate warm up activities for the scrum
Practicing the strike can be developed with the left side triangle, so the key players involved are working together
Develop the individual before the unit as a whole
Skill Practice Description • Two channels each 15metres wide • Two attacking lines of four players; one line in each channel • Scrum Half with two balls • Three defenders lined up to defend the designated channel. • SH passes ball to 1st attacking group on the coach’s call. • D1 goes for A1, D2 for A2, D3 for A3 • Attackers to fix defenders and release overlap. • Coach shouts “Break” and the three defenders run to defend the other channel against 2nd group of attackers. • On coach’s command “Go” the 2nd ball is passed to the second line • Rotate the groups and alternate which channel has the first strike / second strike • Vary the timing of the second call which releases the ball for the 2nd strike. An early call frees up space for the fly half because the defenders will have little time to get into the second channel. A late call, allows defenders time to get across, and it means the fly half will have to prevent the drift and effectively use the overlap. • Initially the coach can control the defence telling the defenders to leave the overlap and be fixed; then allow them to drift, then allow them to try anything to stop the attack. Here is also an opportunity to coach how to defend. Key Coaching Points • Stay square - outside shoulder should be seen by scrum half • Run at defenders aiming at the inside shoulder • Move when the ball is in the scrum half’s hands or when it is in the air. Do not creep forward before then.
The bind should be secure as opposed to tight. A secure hand grip will enable the players to react to pressure whereas a tight bind may limit the ability to respond and change position
Revisiting the finer techniques can help to build the overall strength of your set piece, and your attack. Before even getting to the scrum machine, you can develop your players strength through their body position.
This clip reveals a startling lack of understanding from some pro players. Quins scrum half Danny Care has also identified a weakness which he exploits, rugby is not just about grunt!
Skill Practice Description • Each player is given a number. • From any tackle point or breakdown, as the attacking team is about to start another attack, the coach calls out a number and the defending player with that allocated number retires three paces before moving forward as the others step up. • This leaves a miss alignment in the defence line. • The fly half is required to notice the opportunity and attack the miss alignment and deliver the ball accordingly. • A progression is for the numbered player to step forward early, creating the opposite miss alignment. • If the forward player is the wing, then the fly half may chose to use a kick to get behind the defence. • The opportunity may appear on the short side and the fly half needs to be aware and communicate to the scrum half. • Now develop the decision making further by even numbers step up and odd numbers retire. Key Coaching Points • Scanning skills. • Attacking an opportunity offered by the defence alignment. • Decision making skills. • Appropriate passing (short, long, flat, deep etc. • Appropriate kicking (grubber through, chip over, cross kick etc.) • Look-Think -Do Process
Lions 2009 clip on attacking options
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.
All players need to timing the pass and communicating at all times
Using the wheel effectively opens up areas of space on the pitch to attack