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The hooker strikes back
This activity will help you develop your hooker’s ability to strike the ball in the scrum since big hits at engagement have been long consigned to the past.
WHY USE IT
You must develop your hooker’s ability to strike the ball. Gone are the days of the big hit with the ball rolled under the hooker’s feet to the second row.
Set up
A ball, two ruck pads.
HOW TO DO IT
Your hooker leans against two players holding ruck pads with space between for their head. The hooker binds with their arms around the players. This works on their balance. When in the engage position, the hooker will receive a tap from their scrum half and the ball will be put in with the hooker striking the ball (see picture 1).
TECHNIQUE
The hooker has to put their weight on their non-striking foot enabling them to keep their striking foot free to strike the ball once the scrum is set (see picture 2).
- Pre-scrum they slightly face the scrum half so on the engage their body is turned towards the ball (see picture 3).
- When striking, look for an even sweep of the foot as this will be more accurate.
- Put two ruck pad holders far enough apart so a hooker can fit their head through the gap
- Have a scrum half feed the ball to the hooker for them to strike
- Work on the timing between the hooker and the scrum half
Related Files
- Practice with the hooker between two props to get their foot position correct
- The right foot should be in front of the left with more weight on the left foot
- Whatever binding the hooker has with his props, it must allow them the ability to strike for the ball
- The hips normally initiate the movement to strike – it gives them more reach
- The best strike is more like a sweep through the loose head’s feet
Dan Cottrell
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