rugby, loose head prop

Question
i've only been playing rugby for a year, i've only ever played for my school team, we didnt do that well last season lol :S, i scored a total of 3 tries, only played about 6 matches, i weigh in at 13 stones, 42'' shoulders and very bulky, i am 169 cm tall, i am just asking advice for how to be better in the scrum, such as techinique and how to push and which parts of the body to use, arms,back, thighs, e.t.c but i reckon i would play better at number 8, i can run 100m in about 13 seconds, maybe 12 if i'm at top form, but since i dont know much about rugby apart from ''hit and run'' i dont have the decision or choice to choose where to play, so i might as well play better at where i am now :D
soo any advice or help you can give me???

Answer
Hello Yen,

I am very sorry I have taken so long to get back to you.

Below are some links and advice for playing loose head prop. I have actually pasted a previous answer for you as I get a lot of questions similar to yours (so your not alone).

Good call on staying at prop and making the best of the situation. Settle in and enjoy the position. A good prop is invaluable to a team and if you are invaluable you will get plenty of games. If your body type changes you can move to lock or number 8 later on. Aim to be a fit mobile prop and keep your ball skills up.

The first two links cover the body position you should get used to. I feel they are the best links for explaining scrums.

I also suggest reading through my older answers especially on tackling.

Here are the links I suggest, the first one is the better I believe but overall they are good. You may need to "cut and paste" the links...

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

All technique: Scrum, Running up the Ball, Tackling

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

The first article can be applied to more than just the scrum, this body position should be applied to rucks/ mauls, tackling etc.

The technique is 90% of the part of propping but the most important is the 10% that is attitude.

Scrum time requires intense focus. It may be considered a "restart of play" by the ref or the backs but the whole pack, flankers included need to be present and totally focussed on the task at hand- the scrum.

This is worth a mention at training and prior to the game and prior to each scrum!

You as a loose head have the job of creating as big a "whole" for your hooker to work in. Your job is to "lift" the opposition tighthead up so your hooker can strike the ball easier. Also you need to provide a channel between your legs for the ball to go through. The tight head will be trying to pull you down.

Think of the scrum from the hookers point of view for a second and you will understand how his job is made easier by the loose head doing his job well.

You want want to aim for a solid straight back, low body position, eyes up. Aim for the opposition props groin with your shoulder, EVERY time. He will have to change his technique to come to you. Make him change. Your shoulder may slam into his head, hip, groin, shoulder and be uncomfortable and sore during and after the game. Frankly it should look like someone has been playing "slaps" on your right shoulder after game. If you want a "gentlemans" engage you will be muscled by bigger players and also smaller props who have to work to make up for their smaller size.

Try to grip your left are solidly on the oppositions props pants line. Attempt to pull his ass out from the scrum and thus through him off balance.

After the initial hit attempt to drive the other prop back and up. Don't lift, drive with the legs, little steps. If the prop is good you might only get an inch or two, but that is enough.

Work with your lock and flanker to push on you hard. Your lock should be using you as a ram. If you have a good big lock sometime all you need to do is keep a good body position and keep stepping forward.

If you can get someone with a good camera to take pictures or film of your scrum training and your scrums in games. Analise your technique and compare against the professional to always improve your technique.

View a lot of rugby on TV and really focus on the props. It looks like a nice clean engage but it really isn't.

Also don't get too in love with the scrum machine that is a good tool for timing, and combinations but nothing can replace live scrummaging. Get another team in the club to practice with you if you don't have enough reserves and take it seriously. Practice like you'll train.

Give no quarter and make the other props job hell.

Have fun.