A lot of time is spent on foot positioning before the scrum engages, but once engaged there are lots of situations for the forwards to react to. The instability of the scrum means feet might need to go forwards, backwards or sideways. This will help set a stronger platform.
A lot of time is spent on foot positioning before the scrum engages, but once engaged there are lots of situations for the forwards to react to. The instability of the scrum means feet might need to go forwards, backwards or sideways. This will help set a stronger platform.
Warm up time: 5
Session time: 6-9
Development time: 8-12
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7
What to think about
The feet transmit the power from the ground, through the body and on to the bind, either with a team mate or the opposition. The most powerful position to push from is with both feet on the ground at the same time, shoulder width apart and under the hips. All scrummagers need to fight to retain this position.
set-up
Aim to keep your feet moving and pressing through the ground.
Use your feet to keep your hips square.
What you get your players to do
Put two players with ruck pads opposite another player – an arm’s distance away. Hold up a coloured cone to indicate what the ruck pad holders should do on engagement. For example: push forwards, left, right or backwards.
Go through the engagement sequence, CROUCH, BIND, SET. On “SET”, the ruck pad holders move in the way indicated by which cone you hold up. Scrummage for five seconds before swapping the players around.
Indicate with a coloured cone how much pressure the ruck pads will apply on the engaging player and in which direction.
Development
Two players bind together facing another player. Repeat the same exercise as above.
The two players bound together should try and apply steady pressure or give, but not aim to “win” the engagement and push.
The key focus is on the each player adopting the correct position in contact.
Repeat the exercise above. However, the “two” should not attempt to “win” the situation, but manage the work rate of the “one”.
Game situation
Split into two groups of three. This first group has one in the front row and two in the second row, while the other has two in the front row and one in the second row.
Slowly follow through the engagement sequence and scrummage for five seconds.
Since there is some instability from the situation, it is inevitable that both sets of players will need to use good upper body strength and footwork to remain stable.
Set up two rows to a scrum. Carefully engage and let each team apply a little pressure. The natural instability will mean better footwork is required.
What to call out
“Don’t get stuck with your feet, keeping them moving”
Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is the assistant coach with University of Bristol Women's team and is a coach mentor for Broad Plain RFC mini and juniors section.
He was Head Coach of Swansea Schools U15 and has previously held coaching roles with the Young Ospreys Academy and as Assistant Coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup. He was director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. P...
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