Rugby Coaching Tip 7 - Choices available to the hooker to counter the oppositions put in at the scrummage.

Discussion: The most commonly used methods at the present time are the hooker striking for the ball or the hooker acting as a third prop and try to drive the opposition of the ball, however there is one further option that appears to have gone out of fashion. 

Top Tip: The third option is to prevent the hooker striking for the ball. You achieve this by your hooker starting in a pushing position and transmitting all his force downwards through his shoulder on their hookers right shoulder, at the same instant your tighthead should concentrate all his force on the opposing hookers left shoulder by changing his body angle. This pincer action would prevent their hooker moving his striking foot on the put in. The end result is that the ball should come out the far side of tunnel, if the ball was put in straight. It would be the role of your loosehead who would be aware of this option and strike for the ball when it reaches his side of the tunnel.