Infringements Clip 8 - Scrum Half Management

Materiality Clip 7 - Scrum Management

Infringements Clip 7 - Scrum

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

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 is the role of a scrum half

Conor O Shea disucsses what a scrum half is responsible for

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

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

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

Conor O Shea discuss the profile of scrum half

Richard Wigglesworth - Scrum Half Tips

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

Performance Analysis - Scrum 8 use

Performance Analysis - Scrum 8 use

8-man Scrum

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

Scrum-half Passing Exercises

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

Scrum Factory - 8. Individual Technique

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

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.

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.

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.

Infringements Clip 2 - Obstruction

Materiality Clip 3 - Scrum Binding

Infringements Clip 1 - Early Jump

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

Materiality Clip 1 - Scrum Binding

Infringements Clip 6 - Lineout Interference

Infringements Clip 4 - Not Releasing

Infringements Clip 5 - Kick Off Not 10

Interview - Conor O Shea scrum halfs

Infringements Clip 3 - Cynical Play

Advantage Clip 6 - Scrum Advantage

Advantage Clip 3 - Scrum Advantage

Materiality Clip 10 - Scrum Binding

Materiality Clip 8 - Open Play Kick

Materiality Clip 5 - Scrum Binding

Materiality Clip 4 - On-side Scrum

Materiality Clip 11 - Ruck Management

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Scrum tips for Props

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

Scrum Factory - 4. TOP Core Balls

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

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

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

Level 2 - Scrum Warm up Activities

This clip shows some appropriate warm up activities for the scrum

Lions - Building the scrum practice

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

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

Scotland New Lineout Move

Scotlands clever score from the line out v Ireland was a great example of coaches or players being innovative and looking at new ways to do things. This clip shows a few slightly different uses for placing your scrum half at the front of the line out. It is just ideas and about pushing the boundaries of the laws

Lions - Backs options from scrum

Lions 2009 clip on attacking options

8. Attacking a Drift Defence

Step 5 - Introducing the 3 v 3 Scrum

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

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

Reinforce Techniques With Analysis

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!

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

Managing the Contact Area

Concentrating on the actions of the tackler and the support player in the moments after a tackle. It's important to practice the correct body position and technique so that the right decision can be made on the pitch.

Support - Turnover and Counter-Attack

Support play is essential to rugby, particularly in sevens where there is more space. This clip sums up the importance of support. The Eastbourne College scrum-half is isolated and turned-over. Eton then counter-attack and, despite the best efforts of a single Eastbourne defender, they are able to secure the try thanks to an offload to a support runner.

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

Scrum Factory - 13. Key Triangle Explanation

Building the scrum in triangles

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

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

How to manage contact

Managing contact on your own terms is vital to most teams. The Saints academy manager explains and showcases some of the fundamental skills they work on

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

Men's - Straight Scrums 1

An example of a straight scrum.

Scrum - New Drills & Progressions

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

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

Dean Ryan: Intellect at 8, 9 and 10

Dean Ryan explains how the intellectual players at 8, 9 and 10 can help the cohesiveness of a rugby team.

Junior - Straight Scrums

Junior Scrums

Step 4 - Introducing the 2 v 2 Scrum

Step 3 - Introducing the 1 v 1 Scrum

Scrum - 1 vs 1

Practice body position and warm up for full scrum session.

Lions - 3&5 man scrum practice

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

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.

Scrum Factory - 14. Sub Unit Engagement

Using the triangles to coach an effective scrum

Managing children at training - Paul Hull

Paul Hull explains the different challenges in classroom management at summer rugby camps, and the importance of trying to keep the activities fun.

1. Half Back Play

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

2. Half Back Play

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

Managing the Referee

When it comes to senior rugby, managing the referee becomes a big part of the game. You can practice your discipline and execution of tackle and breakdown technique or competing for high ball, but it is also important to have players who can talk to referees in the correct manner.

How to access video clips

With over 2,000 videos to view the video library can be confusing, this clip provides an outline introduction to the video library and the categories within

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 - Collapsed Scrums 2

An example of a collapsed scrum

Broncos 6 - Attack to Defence 8 v 5

A combination of skills are tested, both technical and tactical with the defenders moving from a passing activity to defending 8 attackers. The coach can change the attack with different starting points and number of attackers

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.

Women's - Clips of coaches

Women's - Clips of coaches

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

Team patterns from scrum

Play from the scrum is essential and this is one option

Conor O Shea - Managing officials

Conor O Shea discusses the importance of how it is important manage officials during a game

Men's - Straight Scrums 2

An example of a straight scrum

Men's - Wheeled Scrums 2

An example of a wheeled scrum

Men's - Wheeled Scrums 3

An example of a wheeled scrum

Men's - Wheeled Scrums 4

An example of a wheeled scrum

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