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
Sometimes, a play from a ruck finishes behind the original ruck. Help your players understand their roles and reactions to reset and attack again with this scenario activity. MORE
Challenge your forwards to run into carry-and-support positions after a lineout. As part of your unit skills session, this activity will help them understand their roles and responsibilities. MORE
Use these four set-ups to work on good technique by isolating players in overloaded situations. Trained in a controlled environment, these live practices will put scrum fundamentals under pressure. MORE
Draw defenders out of position and then use short passing for the support player to run onto. Use this activity to get the timing right and then put into a game situation. MORE
Not all rucks form when a team is going forward. Sometimes, you have to regroup to win the next ruck which is behind the play. This activity recreates these scenarios by first ensuring that the players reload for the next ruck quickly and effectively. This is an ideal warm-up activity for all the players. ... MORE
