Secrets of the front row - better binding
The power of the binding between front row players is an important part of winning and losing games.
... of better binding
So, what are the benefits of a strong front row binding?
- If you split the front row, you lose the focus of the power.
- It gives the second row a more solid base from which to push.
- If the hooker was not held securely, he could not be strike for the ball because he would fall over.
- It improves the freedom of movement of the hooker.
Front row binding
- The hooker is bound in SECURELY by the props, yet able to swing the feet for the ball.
- The arm of the tight-head (right) prop is over the arm of the loose-head (left) prop.
- The hips of the props are in line with their shoulders. Consequently the shove from the second row will go forward.
Binding psychology
- The players need to think about the bind being a quick and efficient process. They must be comfortable with the system of binding and work easily together.
- The two pillars are the two props. They provide a stable platform from which the hooker supports themselves. If the hooker is not comfortable, rethink the binding.
- The higher the bind (where the hand grips the shirt), the more it keeps the hooker square.
- The players need to "lock the hand in". That is, put the hand into the shirt and then twist it to get a strong bind.
What is a good step by step way to bind for a strong scrum?
- The hooker gets into position first.
- Normally the loose-head binds onto the hooker first. The loose-head:
- approaches the hooker from behind
- reaches around, grabs the hooker's shirt and arrives into position.
- The tight-head binds next. The tight-head:
- approaches the hooker from behind
- reaches in and grabs the hooker's shirt, though lower than loose-head, and arrives into position.
Good rugby drills for stronger binding
Grip work: Squeezy weights, such as handgrips, "Eggsercizer Hand Exerciser" and "Power Webs", which can be used by front row players when they are not team training.
Binding positions: Try out different binding positions on the hooker for maximum strength. Different body shapes might mean different binds.
Click here to read Secrets of the front row - the props.
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