Coaching binding for locks and back row

After coaching your players in the basics of binding for the front row (Coaching binding basics), the next drill focuses on binding of the locks (five man scrums) and the back row (eight man scrums).

The locks and back row players are often collectively thought of as a back five in the scrum and their role (as well as pushing) is to get away from the scrum as soon as the ball is out. This has affected the binding (especially of the locks) from the days when the locks were seen along with the front row as a front five whose main job was to push.

Five Man Scrum: Adding the Locks

The locks (second rows) bind loosely to each other across their backs with their inside arms and grip each other's shorts on the waistband. Their heads then go between the props and the hooker. Their outside arms bind up through the props’ legs and get a strong grip on the waistband of the props’ shorts.

Note that at some age groups in some countries the locks are required to bind round the hips of the props and not through the legs. Your governing body will be able to advise you of the laws they use at different age groups.

The locks’ shoulders should always be in contact with the backside of the prop in front of them. Then when the scrum engages, all five players can engage as one unit, giving a much bigger initial push. If the locks bind tightly to the prop in front of them this pulls their shoulder in tight and prevents them moving away from the prop in front.

Eight Man Scrum: Adding the Back Row

The back row has two roles in the scrum:

The back row needs to help win the initial engage.
The back row needs to release quickly and get away from the scrum when the ball has gone.

So, when the scrum is set they are bound tightly so they can drive effectively. As soon as the ball is won (by either team) they loosen their binding so they can release quickly when the ball is out.

The number 8 binds the two locks together by gripping their shorts and pulling them in. The two flankers bind onto the lock next to them. They must ensure they stay bound on until the ball is out but as soon as the ball is won they can stop pushing, get their heads up and be ready to release.

Getting your binding right in the scrum will not only ensure you have a safe and effective scrum now but it will also teach your players the tips, skills and techniques they will need as their careers progress.

second row binding

Binding checklist

The hooker arrives first and lifts his arms.
The props bind under the hooker’s arms on his shirt or shorts.
The locks bind together on each other’s shirts.
The locks crouch and bind on the props, either through the legs or around the shorts.
The flankers bind onto the backs of the locks.
The number eight puts his head between the two locks and binds on their shorts.

Rugby coaching tip: Shoulders must be above the hips at all times.