Eightman

Question
Hi, I'm 1.86 m, 108kg. I have a really good pass, I'm fast for my size but I have some problems with the scrum, I hope if you can help me with that. Thanks

Answer
Hi Julian,

I am going to give you information based on a prop but it is not much different from #8 to be honest...
The thing about scrumming is having the ability to change what you are doing based on the situation. If scrum the exact same way every scrum the other prop will figure you out and a way to beat you. If you are smaller you are best working on getting lower with a straight back and being quick on the engage. Lower is always better. Your feet should get too much wide than your shoulders.

I suggest really studying scrum technique A LOT. it takes a lot of specialized technique to be a good prop and if you are strong and fit you will demolish any other prop if your technique is good no matter what their size.

As a coach I would rather have a smaller prop with awesome technique over a large prop with poor or (more commonly) lazy habits. Large props tend to rely on their size which is no good at the end of the game when it counts. Technique is what allows a prop to scrum just as hard in the last 10 minutes as they do in the 1st 10.

Study technique a lot, here are some places to start:

Here is a link of technique  / body position which you should treat as your gospel:

Scrummaging:

http://www.coachingrugby.com/rugby/coaching/unitskills/scrum/buildingthescrum.ht...

http://www.usarugby.org/media/EDocs/scrum.pdf

http://www.texasyouthrugby.com/download/748/docs/Building_the_scrum.pdf

Also there are some GREAT pointers on You Tube. If you go to You Tube and search using the key words: "building the scrum" you will find a great set of videos about scrum technique originally from www.rugbydevelopment.com Get the whole team to view them. Key word search "Mike Cron scrum" for direct tips from the All Black scrum coach.

Keep looking on You Tube for video by Mike Cron and other professional coaches about scrum technique.

As for explosive power, a lot of it is timing. Get a team mate to stand next to the scrum machine doing the calls of a ref: "crouch, pause, touch, engage". Go through the calls on your own facing the scrum machine and work on your technique and get your team mate to keep you honest or better yet to film you. Increase your hit power. maintaining technique up the level of 'punch' you give the scrum machine. Do 5 sets of 3 - 4 hits. evaluate technique between hits.