loosehead

Question
hello nick
im 14 yrs old and play loosehead for my school and local club im told i do the basics well hold up the tighthead protecting the view for the hooker and such but i want to know more details how i can really get noticed in the scrum for doing my job, i feel im holding back on what i could acheive in the scrum how can i really give the tighthead a hard time in there?
regards
ricky-lee

Answer
Hi Nicky-Lee,

I am VERY sorry for not getting back sooner!

It sounds like you are doing a good job, for a 14 year old you have shown you understand your goal in the position which is critical: "open up" the tunnel for your hooker to strike.

If you can get under your tight head and drive him up and back your are excelling. You may the only person who gets it but that comes with being a prop.

On defense remember to reverse your goal, keep as low as you can.

It is all about body position really and explosiveness to the hit.

Below are some critical links for you:

http://www.sru.org.sg/courses/the_scrum_mattryan.pdf

http://www.myoquip.com.au/Scrum_equal_joint_article.htm

http://www.rugbysmart.co.nz


http://www.rugbycoach.com/club/player/scrum.htm


I also HIGHLY suggest you pick through my previous answered questions, hunt for prop questions and tackling questions you will find the answers invaluable.

A tip: when you grip the tight head do so on his shorts and try to pull his butt out, it de-powers him and he may get penalized for boring in on the hooker (even though he isn't, you are just pulling him out)

When going in to hit look at the shorts of the tighthead, aim for his waste - ignore his demands for a comfortable hit. Your job is to make him UNCOMFORTABLE.

I will do my best to update your answer with more information in a day or two, so keep an eye out.