Attack with front ball
Use the catch and drive, or the front peel to make the best use of front ball. The front peel is the perfect counter punch to a defence that sets up to defend a catch and drive. MORE
EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Give your players the mental and physical edge at scrums by being the first to be ready to scrummage. Make them set themselves quickly and also bind effectively and efficiently. In a match, they will be arriving at each scrum tired, so this session aims to replicate these moments.
Warm up time: 5
Session time: 6-9
Development time: 6-9
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7
A side that is ready to scrum often has a mental advantage. However, this will soon crumble if the binding is not efficient.
Binding by props on the hookers is personal. As a rough guide, the hooker goes to the mark, the loose head (left side) prop binds first, then the tight head.
You must check the following: the props’ shoulders are square, the hips are square and the feet are pointing forward. A front row should be able to crouch and remain stable.
Split the forwards into groups of three (this can be run with all the forwards).
Each nominates a hooker, a loose head and tight head. Have the groups walk around a box and then shout “scrum”.
The groups form into a front row and then crouch. Go around and check for good binding and body positions.
Make examples of certain groups to show good and bad practice. Repeat, with players swapping roles, to help players speed up the process.
Groups of three players walk around until you shout “scrum”. They form themselves into a threeman scrum and crouch ready to be inspected.
Put two groups of three players by a cone as in the middle picture. Have them jog in to form up and then engage. Make the sure the engagement follows the sequence: “Crouch, bind, set”
Once they have engaged, they do not push, just hold so you can check binding.
Two sets of three players run into position, bind and then engage. They do not push. You inspect for good binding.
Play a game of touch rugby. If the ball goes to ground or there is an infringement, call for a scrum. The first team to have three players ready in the correct position will gain possession at a three-man passive scrum.
After a dropped ball or infringement, the first team with three forwards in the correct position to scrum win the ensuing passive scrum.