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

What to think about

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.

set-up

1. Hooker: Set the mark. Arms up and hooking foot forward.
2. Loose head: Bind on to hooker. Get square.
3. Tight head: Wait for loose head and then bind, get square.
4. Be ready first, be balanced and secure.

What you get your players to do

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.