Rugby drills to get your front row binding tight

This rugby drill session focuses on making sure your front row is binding tight enough to allow your hooker to strike.

Rugby coaching drill session to get tight binding in the front row

You must aim for the bind to be a quick and efficient process. Players have to be comfortable with the system of binding and work easily with each other.
The players must bind tight enough so that the hooker can strike, whilst being held in a secure position. So the props need to provide a stable platform for the hooker to support himself.
If the hooker is not comfortable, rethink the binding.
Make sure you don't hold the players in an engagement for more than 10 seconds.

Binding on the hooker

The hooker stands with his hands above his head in this part of the rugby drill.
The first player (usually the left hand side or loose-head prop) puts his right hand on the left side of the hooker and then swings round into position.
The right hand or tight-head prop binds left hand to right hand on the side of the hooker.
You shout the start of the engagement sequence "Crouch, Touch, Pause" then break.

Rugby drill session to get binding on the hooker

Engaging against another three

Building the process

After the engagement and still on their knees, the front rows should rock back and forwards gently.
Progress to practising this rugby drill with the players standing.

Click here for more rugby coaching tips on front row binding.