Scrum Techniques

A scrum is used in rugby to gain control of the ball and requires not only teamwork but good individual technique. The technique each player uses in a scrum will vary slightly depending on the position a person is playing and includes things like knowing how to correctly stand, stabilize, and drive the scrum. Learning scrum technique is done best with actually practicing the scrums. If your team is not big enough to make this happen, then you should bring another team of equal skill level to practice with you for the day. This will help you see what needs to be fixed in your scrums.

  1. Eight Man

    • Watch number eight in the scrum and pay attention to his technique. He should stay level and move forward. If he is swaying or moving forward, but sideways, then there may be a problem with his balance. This can be affected by his binds and where he puts his feet.

    Front Row

    • The front row's shoulders will tell you how their technique is. They should hit head on and stay level. If they do not, the scrum will collapse. If there is tilting occurring, look at the locks and flankers because their technique may be the problem. The locks should have hollowing backs, not arched. If they are, work on how their knees are bent and that they are solid.

    Individual Technique

    • In the scrum there is a lot of pressure, so each individual needs to have good technique. The power will come from the lower body more than the upper, but the upper body is at risk still. Maintaining strong, slightly hollowed backs will keep a scrum and the players strong and safe.

    Head, Back, Feet, and Legs

    • A player's head should only slightly be above his back, just enough so he can see, and his back should be almost level, but erring on the hollowed side. The feet and legs should be about shoulder width apart and parallel to each other, perpendicular to the body. The knees should be at about 90 degrees, unless you are a prop in which case they will be about 120 degrees.