Scrum Half Passing with Chris Cusiter - Wrist Warm-Up

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.

Richard Wigglesworth - Scrum Half Tips

England Scrum half Richard Wrigglesworth discusses the factors which help players improve and how to approach training

Richard Wigglesworth - Scrum Half Tips

Saracens and England scrum-half, Richard Wigglesworth, talks about improving your skills in your spare time.

Expert - Conor o Shea - what is the role of a scrum half

Conor O Shea disucsses what a scrum half is responsible for

Coach the Scrum Half Pass

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

Expert - Conor O Shea - What makes a great scrum half

Conor O Shea discuss the profile of scrum half

Scrum - New Drills & Progressions

Set piece coach George skivington from London Irish talks through some new tips to coach the scrum

Scrum-half Passing Exercises

Some useful exercises for scrum-halves to develop their passing skills.

Focus on Scrum Half

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.

Scrum half pass with Lee Dickson

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

Interview - Conor O Shea scrum halfs

Infringements Clip 8 - Scrum Half Management

L2 - Fly Half Development

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.

3. Half Back Play Continued

A scrum half needs good vision, speed and awareness, quick hands and lightning reactions. The scrum half is the key link between the forwards and the back line. A good scrum half will know how to vary the play and take advantage of any opportunity that the opposition may offer
The fly half is the heart beat of the side and should be a key influence on the way the team plays the game. Almost every attack will go through the fly half, so they need to develop tactical awareness, accurate passing, kicking accuracy, vision, leadership and resilience

Half Back Play - Under 13 and 14

A scrum half needs good vision, speed and awareness, quick hands and lightning reactions. The scrum half is the key link between the forwards and the back line. A good scrum half will know how to vary the play and take advantage of any opportunity that the opposition may offer
The fly half is the heart beat of the side and should be a key influence on the way the team plays the game. Almost every attack will go through the fly half, so they need to develop tactical awareness, accurate passing, kicking accuracy, vision, leadership and resilience

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

L2 - Half Back Development

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

Sevens - Wheeled Scrums 1

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

Sevens - 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

Back Play from Set Piece - Mini Half Backs

Children should be encouraged to play in all playing positions. Rugby is a late specialist sport and the prop of today may be the scrum half of tomorrow.
If the coach constantly plays the strongest players at half back, this may restrict the development of other, later maturing players.

Half Back Play - Under 12

Children should experience all the playing positions and not be restricted to a position they may appear to be best suited at the time
The prop of today may be the scrum-half of tomorrow

Games or drills ?

The coaches explain why they use games and provide examples of how they deliver a session using games with technical skills as the basis for learning

Scrum - Tighthead tips for Senior Players

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

Scrum Technique 1 v 2

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.

Scrum Factory - 11. Flanker Channeling and The Role of the Number 8

The roles of each player in channelling the ball to the number 8

Step 5 - Introducing the 3 v 3 Scrum

New Rules of Play - Under 10s - Scrum Coaching

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

Scrum Factory - 10. Put in and Strike

Practicing the strike can be developed with the left side triangle, so the key players involved are working together

Scrum Technique Progressions for youths

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

Back Play from Set Piece - Attack from Scrum

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.

Scrum Factory - 9. Scrum Positions

The role of each position

Scrum Factory - 16. Building the Scrum

A straight drive and square culture, will bring about eight players doing the same thing at the same time

QBE - Fly Half Development

Back Play - Attack From Scrum - Younger Youth

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

Continuous Breakdown Drill

This drill takes you through a simple drill where multiple breakdown and contact skills are tested. You'll also be given the reasons why it is practised this way.

Conor O Shea - Do half time team talks make a difference

Conor O Shea talks about how half-time team talks can a difference to performance in the 2nd half

Continuous Breakdown Drill

This drill takes you through a simple drill where multiple breakdown and contact skills are tested. You'll also be given the reasons why it is practised this way.

Scrum Factory - 13. Key Triangle Explanation

Building the scrum in triangles

Scrum Factory - 8. Individual Technique

Each player should understand how their individual contribution affects the scrum as a whole

British Lions - Play from scrum - continuity 2

Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan

Lions - play from scrum - continuity

Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan

8-man Scrum v Machine

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.

Women's - Straight Scrums 1

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

Junior - Straight Scrums 2

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

British Lions - play from wheeled scrum going left

Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan

Dean Ryan: Why use Drills?

Dean Ryan explains why drills are sometimes necessary, when breaking down a skill to single components before bringing them back into a game situation.

Dean Ryan: How to use Drills

Dean Ryan explains how he thinks coaches should approach using drills in their sessions.

Paul Gustard - Games V Drills For Best Results

How do you decide on the amount of games v drills you do in your sessions. Paul Gustard provides an insight into his view and why

Men's - Straight Scrums 1

An example of a straight scrum.

Conor O Shea - games or drills

Conor O Shea discusses the value of comparing games with drills in coaching

Teaching scrum engagement

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

Scrum tips for Props

This clip provides some advice for the front row on their binding, body position and driving in the scrum.

Games & drills for tackle technique

The Falcons coaches use a variety of games and breakout drills to progress their tackle technique session. The players respond to questions to vary the style of coaching

Junior - Straight Scrums

Junior Scrums

Step 4 - Introducing the 2 v 2 Scrum

Step 3 - Introducing the 1 v 1 Scrum

Lions - Full scrum practice

Full scrum practice - essential at all levels of the game

Crazy fitness drills

Keeping fitness & conditioning exercises fun and fresh is very challenging as coaches want to ensure these drills are tough and get the players fit. This clip highlights when fitness work should be done and shows some weird and wonderful examples to improve fitness & strength at the breakdown

Men's - Wheeled Scrums 3

An example of a wheeled scrum

Men's - Collapsed Scrums 2

An example of a collapsed scrum

Men's - Wheeled Scrums 4

An example of a wheeled scrum

Building the scrum

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.

Lions - Building the scrum practice

Building the scrum to the full 8 man - focusing on body shape

Lions - 3&5 man scrum practice

A progression from the 3 man scrum - developing body shape and positions

Lions 09 - 3-man Scrum Practice

Develop the front row as a foundation for the building of the scrum

2. Half Back Play

Watch the half backs and assess their effect on the game and the skills required to affect the game

British lions - support & attack drill 1

This drill illustrates how attack can go from narrow channels to wide play very quickly, and players should practice this continually

New Scrum Laws - Hooking Technique

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.

Men's - Wheeled Scrums 2

An example of a wheeled scrum

Team patterns from scrum

Play from the scrum is essential and this is one option

Level 2 - Scrum Warm up Activities

This clip shows some appropriate warm up activities for the scrum

8-man Scrum

A demonstration of how to construct a full, 8-man scrum.

Coaching the new Scrum Laws

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.

Men's - Straight Scrums 2

An example of a straight scrum

1. Half Back Play

Watch the half backs and assess their effect on the game and the skills required to affect the game

8-man Scrum v Machine

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.

Tackle bag drill 3 man support after tackle

This is a very effective drill for developing decision making and awareness in support runners off a tackle situation

Tackle bag & support hi intensity drill

Sometimes a high intensity, high repitition drill is very effective at getting the point home

Chase from the floor reaction drill

A great drill for developing reactions and speed off the floor

Scrum - 1 vs 1

Practice body position and warm up for full scrum session.

Sevens - Straight Scrums 1

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

Scrum Factory - 14. Sub Unit Engagement

Using the triangles to coach an effective scrum

British Lions - scrum practice 2

Progressiing the scrum practice always requires the underlining of the basics of the unit skill

Scrum Factory - 12. Unit Development

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

Women's - Straight Scrums 2

Women's - Straight Scrums 2

Blitz & Drift Defence Drills

This video takes you through the basics of both blitz and drift defences and provides great drill ideas.

Performance Analysis - Scrum 8 use

Performance Analysis - Scrum 8 use

Scrum Factory - 1. Body Shape Intro

Develop the individual before the unit as a whole

Scrum Factory - 3. TOP With Rugby Balls

Expensive training equipment is not necessary and the simple rugby ball can provide an excellent technical and conditioning work out

Scrum Factory - 6. TOP Stick Work

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

Most popular passing drill

This practice is repeated at every level of rugby to repeat the most important fundamental of the game. Coaches can change the conditions to make this exercise easier or harder

Scrum Factory; Front Row Briefing

Scrum Factory - 4. TOP Core Balls

The core ball provides a variety of challenges to the player in both body management and technical competence

Back Play - Attack From Scrum - Older Youth

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

New Scrum Laws - Tips and skills

A current professional prop works with Under 18's to explain the new laws and challenges their body positions and how to improve them

Chop Tackle - Pad Drill

Aim to develop good tackle habits through repetitive practice. Using pads allows you to train with intensity whilst lowering the impact on the body.

Scrum Factory - 2. Tower of Power Demonstration

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

Attack vs Defence Continuous Drill 4V2

The attackers work to beat the defence, setting up a 'tip' (running a hard line) and 'pull back' option. They should read the defensive movements and make a decision to hit the tip option or pull out the back.

Scrum Factory - 5. TOP Towels & Bands

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

Scrum Factory - 15. Binding

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