Check for bad scrummaging feet
Work on your players' scrummaging technique by improving balance and footwork. Often scrummaging collapses start from the feet. Though the front rows are "wrestling", they are unbalanced by poor feet and leg positions. These rugby coaching tips will help you avoid "bad" feet.
Check your players for signs of "bad" feet and legs.
What to look for:
- The legs are virtually straight.
- The hips are higher than the shoulders.
- The feet are neutral – there is no flex for a shove.
- Also note that the binding of the right hand player shows him pulling the other down.
- Still no flex in the legs and the feet are flat.
Secrets of feet and body positions
"In general it is recognised that having the feet offset allows greater variation when it comes to creating options, as it is difficult to react going backwards with your feet together. Coaching generally centres around being offset to absorb the impact and then taking small steps (in unison) to try and promote your scrum."
Martin Toomey, fitness adviser to the All Blacks 1997-1999, quoted on www.coachesinfo.com
"Spine in line saves 999."
Jim Love, NZ Sports Academy manager and former assistant coach of NZ Maori.
"First, foot position should be close to shoulder width and 'heel to toe'. for example, the heel of the outside foot level with the toes of the inside foot. Secondly, always keep the feet under the body, short forward steps so that the legs are always bent."
Former England prop John Mallet.
"I am controversial about this – I think that the feet should be splayed more than the normal coaching manuals say – especially if you want to lock the legs, rather than push. In my experience, this gives a much stronger contact with the ground."
Nigel Horton, British Lions scrummaging coach.
Click the link for more rugby coaching tips to help improve players' footwork in the scrum.
Click the link to order a copy of Secrets of the Front Row. The manual has a dedicated chapter for each of the front row positions and includes player skills and coaching points covering feet, body and head positions, psychology and communication.
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