Need to build or rebuild your scrum? Need to keep your forwards engaged in training with new and interesting ways to improve their scrummaging?
Here are four different ideas to help out.
First, we’ve got a Three-step guide to coaching first scrums. This is designed for players who are new to scrummaging, but its back-to-basics approach can be used at all levels of the game – sometimes you have to restart the whole process to check the players are comfortable with what they know.
For slightly more advanced players, you can introduce the idea of Scrumming together. This full session develops the players’ core strength and scrummaging position, and is lots of fun too.
For a more technical full session, try out Firm feet in the scrum. The connection with the ground is a key aspect of effective scrummaging and hence the focus of this activity and developments.
Finally, Build a scrum and win it is a tried-and-tested activity that integrates the scrum within a game context. This is good for all the players, not just the forwards. For coaches who are working with younger players, this activity is an opportunity to try out players in different scenarios.
This simple session develops players’ core strength and scrummaging position by making them control their body shape as they move. Scrummagers work together, so it makes it a co-operative session and not a competitive one. Good for all scrummaging positions. MORE
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. MORE
Mauling is a powerful weapon and you don’t have to be a big side to use it. A great tactic is to set up a maul from the back of a ruck to create go-forward and tie in their defenders. MORE
I’ve been talking tackling to plenty of coaches in the last few weeks. That’s not unusual. Therefore, I wanted to share with you one of my favourite tackling “drills”: High pressure tackling reactions. I say drill because it’s a 1 v 1 exercise. MORE
The ball carrier uses a strong fend to create space and time to pass the ball to their supporting player while the defender aims to disrupt. They then turn the corner and repeat MORE
Good shape in rugby means your players are into position quickly to attack from the next phase. The shape refers to threatening alignments, with all ball-carrying options well supported. MORE
