OBJECTIVE:

To ensure correct technique for building a scrum.

EQUIPMENT:

Scrum machine.

AREA:

Small.

GROUP SIZE:

One on one.

DRILL EXPLANATION:

1. Using a scrum machine, if possible, get individual players to work through the pre-engagement and engagement routines. Coach to check for correctness.
2. On knees, facing each other, and at a safe distance apart, player A engages (binds) with player B.
3. Coach checks for correct techniques.
4. When everything is right, coach gets players A & B to dig toes in and push slightly. This will get their knees off the ground.

KEY FACTORS:

• Before the two players come together, they must be standing not more than an arm’s length apart.
• Position correctly on coach’s call.
• “Crouch”
• Sink down into a crouch position, face in neutral position, eyes open, looking forward.
• The front rows must interlock (Ear to Ear) so that no player’s head is next to the head of a team-mate. Crouched and bound.
• Feet, hips and shoulders are all square.
• Bend at the hips and knees.
• Shoulders above hips at all time.
• Back straight - spine in line.
• Weight off the heels and on balls of feet.
• Coach will call “BIND”
• Using their outside arm each prop must bind.
• A loose head prop must bind on the opposing tight head prop by placing the left arm inside the right arm of the tight head and gripping the tight head prop’s jersey on the back or side.
• A tight head prop must bind on the opposing loose head prop by placing the right arm outside the left upper arm of the opposing loose head prop and gripping the loose head prop’s jersey with the right hand only on the back or side.
• The props must not grip the opponent’s chest, arm, sleeve, or collar.
• Following a pause, the coach will then call “set” when the front rows are ready.
• The front rows may then engage. (The “set” call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready.)