possision change

Question
i have recently bin called up to the first team of my club and as i am not old enough to play in my usual possision(tight head prop) i have been asked to play in the second and back row can you give me any tips to make sure i have a good first game

Answer
Wilsa,

Good luck in your new position.  There are significant differences in player front row and the remainder of the scrum.

Here are the basics for both the locks and eightman.  

LOCK (SECOND ROW):

Major requirements:

-Possess jumping ability to win clean ball at lineouts
-Ability to lock and drive the scrum effectively
-Provide focused and direct power during all phases of the game
-Be physically fit and possess good neck, body, and leg strength
-Have stamina and strength for second phase situations
-Bring total concentration to the position
-Have an ability to reach breakdowns quickly and to rip, ruck and maul effectively

Essential skills:

Handling:   
-To catch and deflect a ball at line-outs
-To catch a ball at kick-offs and drop outs
-To take and give a short pass
-To manipulate, rip out and roll off mauls
-To be able to make ball available in a tackle

Contact:
-To lend weight and force to both set and loose play
-To stand up in tackle
-To tackle in close situations
-A commitment to secure, protect and provide clean ball

Running:
-To run with determination and committed aggression
-To be able to run and sprint after strenuous physical work (especially important to support the backline from the scrum.

Lifting:  Get jumpers to their apex to receive the ball in the lineout.

NOTES:
-In the scrum, lineout, and loose play, the lock must understand the importance of correct body, feet, and head position.
-In the scrum, line-out and loose play, the lock must understand the importance of correct body mechanics, i.e. binding, grip, locking, snap shove, drives, channeling ball, foot pressure, angles etc.
-Develop lineout skills- i.e. timing of the jump, body position for jump, jumping aggressively; need for close communication between thrower and jumper.  Knowledge of different throws and the ability to work with a short lineout where timing and body movements become more critical is necessary.
-Ability to develop the skills required in the second and third row of rucks and mauls is essential (body position and mechanics, the drive, ball channels, tight binds etc).
-The primary job of the lock is to add strength and power, and to assist in winning clean ball.
-Fitness, strength, and stamina are essential and training is critical to develop them.

-Always be around the ball and GO FORWARD to put pressure the opposition

EIGHTMAN

Among the many requirements for the eightman:

Well-developed neck, shoulders, back and leg muscles are necessary to physically perform as the eightman.  While these are necessary for the pure power, they are also necessary to maintain good body orientation.  This is important both for his pushing/holding requirements as well as his ability to break off quickly to attack, or support an offensive move.

Good technique is as, if not often more, important as pure physical size or strength.  This means the ability to apply correct technique to maximize strength:
-foot position
-body angles
-correct binding
That being said, he must have all around strength and stamina

The eightman generally combines the mobility and aggressive style of play expected of the flankers (initiating second phase rugby) and the strength and power of the locks (scrums and lineouts).  Additionally, he must have above average ball skills (Hand and Foot), mobility, and ability to anticipate good angles of run (to get where the opponent should be going).  This requires him to be able to read the game.

As a pack leader, he must have the ability (physical and mental/tactical) to control and direct forward play at lineouts, base of scrums and most platforms for attack and defense.  He must be able to communicate and work effectively with the scrum half

In order to perform the above requirements, the eightman needs several essential skills

Contact:
-To scrummage effectively, safely and consistently
-To provide stability and guidance from the rear of the scrum
-To provide maximum protection to the scrumhalf
-To support in the line-out
-To legally prevent opposition from breaking through the line-out
-To tackle from close positions.  Eightmen are not known for making make those cool open field tackles.
-To maul and ruck-low body position for driving forward.  Many teams use the pod formation off the rucks and mauls to punch the ball forward.  Often is a quick eightman and flanker that establishes the initial breakdown and prepares the second pod.
-Continuous commitments to secure balls and maintain possession.

Running:
-To run to support backs in attack and in defense
-To understand and utilize the different angles of pursuit
-To run ahead straight and hard with commitment and conviction
-To run at speed, with the ability to accelerate quickly, and to continue running after strenuous physical effort

Handling:
-To control ball, and when required, release it properly at the back of scrum
-To catch and deflect a ball at the back of line-outs, or provide lift to a jumper
-To pass the ball at varying lengths and speeds
-To give and take a short lifted pass
-To manipulate play by ripping and rolling from a maul
-To deal with a ball on the deck and pick it up quickly at speed

NOTES:
-The eightman must be fit and physically strong.  He will often the start the attack from the scrum and become the first to encounter the opposition.
-He occupies an essential tactical position in the team and as such, he has the responsibility to control and direct play.
-The eightman must have a serious commitment to angles of run and to the support of moves in attack and defense.
-All around athletic ability and durability is vital - he should be able to run like a back as well as play effectively in set forward play.
-He must direct the scrum, especially during set play.

Again, Good luck

Deane Shephard
Stuttgart RC