Rugby Coaching Tip 5 - Attacking the opposition scrummage on THEIR 'put-in'.

AIM: To push the opposition off the ball, or disrupt the quality of their possession. 

DISCUSSION: From the study of countless scrums, it is apparent that many packs at the present time when contesting the opposition 'put-in', attempt to create a maximum of forward pressure immediately the front rows engage. This is wrong! 

The team with the 'put-in' has a natural advantage since they have little need to advance the scrum in order to win the ball. (It is a proven fact that players in the scrum can RESIST more force than they can GENERATE). Additionally, the law states that the scrum MUST BE STATIONARY BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BALL. 

The opposition will be at their weakest at the moment their hooker strikes for the ball. It is, therefore, the SPEED OF CHANGE of forward pressure, applied at the moment the ball is introduced into the scrum, that will best overcome your natural disadvantage! 

TOP TIP: In the time lapse between engaging in the scrum and the opposition scrumhalf feeding the ball, it is suggested that your pack seek to REDUCE their level of forward pressure. They should maintain their bodies in a semi-squat position, with everything below the shoulder line. An explosive forward force, with collective flexion, should be applied the instant the ball is introduced into the scrum.