Three-step guide to coaching first scrums

STEP 1

Good preparation means this isn’t their first scrummaging session. You will already have used warm-up activities and fun games to give them basic body positioning sessions, and non-contact games requiring these positions:

• Feet shoulder width apart, toes forward
• Chest pushed forward, concave back
• Shoulders pulled back
• Head not tilted

(see picture A)

1. Start with checking good body profiles for scrummaging
2. Feet shoulder width apart, toes forward
3. Shoulders pulled back
4. Head not tilted

STEP 2

In pairs and on their knees, they get used to the head position (“head to the left”) and bind (up on the back or side of the opponent’s shirt) by engaging with each other in 1v1 mini scrums. Gentle pressure is added and the players rock to and fro, feeling pressure across the shoulders in a controlled situation. This also provides the opportunity to use the required engagement cadence (crouch-bind-set) for players to get used to and for the coach to address any changes needed. Tell them:

• Head in line with spine
• Binds on the back or side
• Basic body shape maintained
• Toes and feet in line with legs

(see picture B)

Next, move them from their knees up onto their feet for a standing mini scrummage. Young players usually find this difficult however as their trunk (“core”) strength is often not developed enough to hold them in place as they move up.

1. Face two players on their knees 
2. They use the correct engagement sequence, to bind up, rocking to and fro after binding together

STEP 3

Finally, it is time to do it for real. In pairs, but now standing and facing each other, on the engagement sequence, players should adopt their basic positions. Tilting forward from the waist, players next fall into their mini scrummages. Key factors to check here are:

• Basic body position
• Knees flexed
• Binds
• Head positions

(see picture C)

The end result should look like a scrummage side on. Straight legs and a bent waist is not scrummaging, but a concave back and bent knees is.

1. Work on 1v1 scrums on their feet

2. They start by facing each other, then tilting at the waist before engaging