Rugby tactics for your front row

Wheel

• A wheel is where the scrum is turned either left or right. Senior teams are allowed to wheel the scrum up to 90 degrees. Under 19 teams are not allowed to intentionally wheel the scrum.
  
  
• In attack, a wheel needs only to be between 25 degrees and 45 degrees. The greater the wheel, the less stable the scrum. The best wheels come from one of the props taking small steps forward, with the other prop holding their ground.
  
  
• In defence, the props need to communicate before each scrum to know which way they are going to wheel, then tell the rest of the pack.

Quick ball under pressure

If the front row is under extreme pressure, then quick ball out of the scrum is important to provide any sort of platform for the team. If this is the case, then the scrum half will need to put the ball in as soon after the pack engagement as possible.

Timing and communication are vital and must be practised in advance of game time.

Focusing on a player

One way of exerting extra pressure on the opposition is to focus two front rowers (a hooker and prop) onto one opponent. For instance, a tight head and hooker may target the opposition hooker.

By doing this, they tire the singled-out player, who will lose shape and reduce the effectiveness of the whole pack.

The most effective way this can be achieved is by placing the heads closer together, especially on the tight head side.

To strike or not to strike on the opposition ball

Though some hookers and props like to try for every ball, it makes sense to retain the element of surprise. In other words, don't try it every time.

If the ball is won, then it is important to call for a secondary shove. This will ensure the ball is kept.

If the scrum is ended before the ball comes out of the scrum, then the referee should award the put in to the side who took it against the head.

The drive – different types

A pushover try: A pushover try requires two phases for success. The initial engagement and winning the ball, which should be the number one priority. Once secure, the secondary shove should be called for. The key here is short stable steps by the front row, focusing on a square, low drive.

The drive should be controlled all the way, with the front row working hard all the time to keep the scrum straight and square to the line. Engage and chase, and then continue the chase with quick, short steps.

Different steps: In a tight situation, sometimes it is worth trying something slightly different.

Instead of taking four small steps, try taking two big steps forward in a drive. If it works, then the opposition should be well and truly on the back foot, losing any real chance of recovery.

The ultimate secret?

On your own put in, try not pushing, but just resisting. This is the advice of former England and British and Irish Lions player, Nigel Horton. If you resist, then you stay on balance and your power is greater than if you push.

Think of pushing up a bar with weights. If you lock out at the top, then it is possible to add on far more weight than you could lift initially.

Click here to order a copy of Secrets of the Front Row.

Click here for five secrets of the front row.