New Prop

Question
Hey, I am a 16 yr old girl from Canada and just started playing Rugby. I play loosehead prop. I'm about 5'6 and weigh around 160. I was wondering if you could help me out with my tackling. I know how to do it in theory, but I just can't seem to get it right when it comes to the real thing. Also, I find it really tough to prop with a girl taller than me, as the other props on my team are. Any ideas you could give me on how to improve my game??? Thanks!!!

Answer
Hi Rachelle I have recently answered a question about tackling so I pasted it below.

As for prop the if you are shorter than the opposing player that is to your advantage. The objective is to get lower than the other player. Make sure you set yourself up in the scrum to meet your height - make the opposing prop come down to you.

If you can get the opposing taller prop the have to come down to you then they will end up with their head and shoulders below the level of their hips and that helps you a lot.

On you "crouch" bend your knees and look up  - like a weight lifter doing an over head clean lift.

If your locks or hooker aren't cool with you getting "too low" that is a problem they will have to fix as the scrum has to work around the props.

I have some very good links and PDF files about scrum technique - if you would like I can email them to you just email me at [email protected]

If I find anything else I will update this answer so keep an eye on it.

Questioner:  O
Category:  Rugby
Private:  Yes

Subject:  How do I become a more confident forward
Question:  Hey Nick

I was just wondering as a tighthead prop and loose forward I play two of the positions on the field that require a fair amount of presence, and I was just wondering how do I become a more confident tackler and scrimmager.

Cheers Mate

Ollie

Answer:  G'day Ollie,

This is a relatively personal question I believe. I can only answer from my own point of view - so ask around.

I was always a confident scrummager - for some reason I just clicked with the position. It took me YEARS to overcome my "fear" of tackling. I made the tackles but it was more of a "hit and hope" style.

As for scrummaging the big thing is to get cool about it. Too many guys get all worked up and think they need to be breathing fire.

The key word is focus - focus on technique, body position and timing. Don't get sucked into the mind games some props try to implement like eye-balling you or even verbal threats, anything like that is simple a manifestation of their fear. The best props never say a word - see Olo Brown for a perfect example.

Focus on the job, and the timing of your hit. Aggression is not the way, focussed intensity is.

As for tackles, the thing that switched the light on for me was when a skilled coach took the time to walk me through the technique of a tackle. Browse my past answers for more on this .

The thing about tackling is to approach the situation the same regardless of the players size. Ironically big players will often go down easier while I have have been pretty much embarrassed by medium / small players on occasion.

From the front on tackle focus on the point of impact that you want - the point center between the player's hips the "string of their shorts". focus on that point and it takes away the brain's desire to analyze all the other jinks and fakes players  throw at you.

For rear tackles move in hard and wrap up the player. Either come in low and go for the full tackle or wrap up the arms so a pass cannot be made.

Again, focussed intensity is the way, amateurs use rugby as a vent for aggression , professionals use it to hone their mental strength. Look at any impact sport, rarely do boxers or pro-rugby players go "psycho" the thing people notice is the intense focus in their eyes.

Right down all the duties of your specific "job" on the field and spend time visualizing yourself successfully completing these tasks.

My opinion, I hope it helps.

Have fun out there.