Scrum and run

The transition from set piece to open play requires players to change their mindset. From the technical, defined contest of a scrum, the forward needs to assess the next situation and how to react. Fatigue from the set piece will add pressure too.

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Warm up time: 5
Session time: 6-9
Development time: 6-9
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7

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What to think about

Concentrate on good scrum technique first. Do not allow the players to “lean”. Make them work hard to win their contest before moving to the next decision. It is important to create that mindset shift.

If you do not have a scrum machine, then try having a 3v2 scrum, but once the scrum breaks, all the scrummaging players are on the same team.

Set-up

1. Scrummage first and then get into the game to make a difference.
2. Break from the scrum and look for the ball.
3. Make your decisions as you run to the contest, not as you arrive.

What you get your players to do

Set up a 1v1 scrum at the side of a 5m square and put a ball on one corner and a tackle tube on the other.

Players scrum for five seconds before breaking. One player tackles the tube and the other picks up the ball and side steps the tube and tackle as it happens.

Two players scrummage for five seconds then one tackles the tube and the other picks up the ball and side steps the other player.

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Development

Two pairs perform 1v1 scrums at the side of a 5m square. Put a defender in the middle of the box, a feeder behind the one of the sets of scrummagers and an attacker outside the box.

Have a five-second scrum before shouting “break”. The feeder passes the ball to the attacker who attempts to beat the defender. The scrummagers enter the box to support.

After two sets of 1v1 scrums, the ball is released to an attacker who tries to beat the defender. The scrummagers support.

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Game situation

Have three forwards scrum down against a scrum machine for five seconds. A feeder then passes the ball to three attackers, who drive into three ruck pad holders and form a ruck.

The scrummagers either have to help win that ruck or be in position to take the next pass from the ruck.

Adjust the defence to create different outcomes (like no ruck pads, or one defender covering the next phase).

After the scrum, three attackers drive into the ruck pads. Scrummagers either support at contact or be ready for the next phase.

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What to call out

• “Be square with shoulders, hips and feet in scrum”
• “Break and be ready to make a difference”
• “Concentrate on achieving two great pieces of technique”