Scrum

Question
Hi, I'am the captain of a schools 1st XV in the Midlands. We have a decent pack of forwards who have a generally solid set piece. However i would like to know what can be done to improve our scrummage which at present is good, but i waould like it to be destructive. At present we don't really have calls in the scrum, is this something we should introduce?
Thanks.

Answer
Hi Toby,

Yes calls are important. Read the first three links I have given below and print them out for you and your team mates. A lot of what you need is there.

Read over my previously answered scrum and prop questions also.

Basically the whole scrum is dependent on three main factors:

1. Grips: literally the way you each bind together

2. Body position. This angles you have your individual bodies in the scrum. (see the links)

3. Cadence. The timing of your push in the scrum. This is affected by your calls and training.

I will update this email in a few days but first start buy reading over the links I gave.


Srummaging:

My favourite: 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


All technique: Scrum, Running up the Ball, Tackling

http://www.rugbysmart.co.nz/plan/technique.html

http://www.rugbytactics.com/

http://www.talkrugbyunion.co.uk/

Skills and Technique, video:

http://www.joberrugby.com/

Fitness:

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/in particular speed and power: http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/plyometric.html