Footwork options for scrummaging

There are two main ways to set up your feet in the scrum. Whatever the option chosen, props need to work out how to use their feet on engagement and afterwards.

Alternative foot positions

The basic scrummaging position is a solid platform with a square-on approach, starting with the feet in-line position before engagement.

An alternative pre-engagement positioning is the offset or sprinter's alignment. Here, the inside foot is placed to the rear. This sinks the rest of the body with it, providing a lower engagement position.

Footwork positioning for scrum

Pre engagement

The feet in-line position aids a straight, legal, pushing position. If the offset position were utilised pre engagement, the inside foot would move smoothly forwards to create the in-line position at engagement.

Back and second row forwards can maintain the offset position to assist a wheel. For instance, with the left foot forward to encourage a loose head wheel.

The hooker may have a limited version of the offset position, with the striking foot advanced and their weight on the planted foot if they are not to drive initially.

Post engagement

Post engagement foot movements depend on your tactics and reactive requirements.

At least one foot should be kept pushing whilst moving the other only an inch or two at a time.

Once settled, straight shoves should concentrate on driving on the inside foot and holding with the outside foot.

Wheels will concentrate on driving on the "pertinent" foot, that is, the left for a loosehead wheel and vice versa.

"Chasing the hit" – or realignment as the scrum settles – requires short, sharp steps. Similarly, adjusting to a backward shove.

To counter opposition wheels, steps need to be taken sideways. These require small steps, as described above, without the feet crossing.

The props may choose to advance their outside foot to close the tunnel after the put-in, especially on their own scrums, but only if this does not compromise their platform.