Not all rucks are made the same and neither are the players. Especially in the forwards, the difference in height can mean they need to explore varied techniques. Here’s how…
Tall players (like locks) need to keep on their feet when it comes to driving into low rucks. Props can make use of their size to clear defenders past the ball.
Put three attacking ruckers on their fronts in the middle of one side of the box.
Have two ruck-pad holders in each box, just behind a ruck pad on the ground.
Shout out a number between one and three, plus a colour.
That number of ruckers get to their feet and run over the designated ruck pad before driving away the ruck pads.
As the ruckers get to their feet, indicate with your arm whether you want the pad holders to either just move forward OR lean very low over the ruck pad in front of them.
If they are normal height, the ruckers drive them back and out of the box.
If they are very low, they just clear them back from the pad and stop.
Develop by having three pairs of players scrummaging against each other.
In a box next to them a player feeds an attacker and he’s tackled immediately.
The scrummaging players break and aim to win or secure the ball.
Use this activity to get your players organising themselves on the move and give the outside player room to run. It works on footwork, handling and communication. MORE
A strong, stable scrum provides an excellent platform for attacking play or effectively clearing your lines. Yet training this crucial area is never easy since you may not have all your scrum players available or access to a scrum machine. So, here are some practical solutions to build a stronger scrum. MORE
Build up the techniques for better ball presentation in this ball placement skills zone activity. The players develop their understanding through walking through, then increasing the pressure with defenders. MORE
Building the skills to draw and pass, and for the supporting player to run onto the pass. It starts with the technique of running straight, at speed and passing for a team mate before adding a defender. MORE
Improve your backfield players understanding where to run and how to cover kicks. Help them anticipate where the opposition are likely to kick to ensure they catch the ball on the full. MORE
