ScrumLab booklet copy

Contents
Introduction
How to use this resource
Scrum Progression Tool
Body Position for Scrums
Scrum Diagram
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3
4
5
Binding Types
Front Row Binding
Second Row Bindings
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7
Foundations
Stability Exercises
Scrum Posture Exercises
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9
Fundamentals
Stability Exercises
Scrum Posture Exercises
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Advancements
Scrum Posture Exercises
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USA Rugby
Resources
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Be a Student of the Game
Introduction - How to use this resource
This resource provides coaches with a guide to preparing players to play
in the scrum. Coaches should use this resource alongside USA Rugby age
grade variations to ensure players are prepared correctly for playing in
the different scrum positions.
All players should be trained both physically and technically to be able
to scrummage. It is important to develop players in a logical fashion,
through a staged development program.
The resource is broken into three stages based on players’ scrummaging
experience and ability.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Physical and technical difficulty of exercises increase through each stage
If a player be new to the front row, the coach should ensure that the he or
she is able to demonstrate basic scrum posture by progressing through
the Scrum Progression Tool before being asked to scrummage in a live
game.
This resource provides guidance to help coaches train player properly in
stability, scrum posture and binding options appropriate to the age and
stage of the players.
The Scrum Progression Tool outlines a teaching progression players
should go through to prepare for playing in the scrum. Coaches should
ensure front row players are capable at each stage before progressing to
the next. If a player does not make it through the assessment progress,
then further training relevant to the experience level of the player should
be undertaken.
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Age Level Variations
USA Rugby’s age grade variations are designed to develop scrummaging
skills in a safe and progressive manner. At all times, coaches should
ensure players are suitably trained in the correct engagement sequence.
At younger age groups, we encourage every player to learn to scrummage
due to the transfer of the scrum posture and movement into other areas
of the game (tackle, ruck and maul). For guidance on scrum law variations
for your age group, please refer to usarugby.org
Scrum Progression Tool
Ensure the FRONT ROW player demonstrates and maintains a safe
scrummaging positionbefore starting the subsequent progressions
With each progression, start by placing players into finish positions. After
assessing safety, shift progress to the stage with an engage.
START
Solo with no opposition
Solo against a machine
2nd row against a machine
2nd row against 2 players
2nd row & flanker against a machine
2nd row & flanker against 3 players
5/6-man scrum against a machine
5/6-man scrum against a 5/6-man scrum
8-man scrum against a machine
8-man scrum against an 8-man scrum
FINISH
Player is ready to scrum!
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Be a Student of the Game
Body Position for Scrums
This basic scrum body position should be maintained by every player in
the scrum. Some slight variations will occur according to playing position
at later stages of the players’ development.
Key Factors
1. Core strength
2. Spine in line
3. Back in strong “flag” position
4. Feet shoulder-width apart
5. Hips, knees and ankles at 90 degree angle
6. Shins parallel to ground
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Scrum Diagrams
The following diagram shows the different positions in a scrum at the various codes of rugby. A referee will ensure players have proper technique
before starting the scrum.
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Be a Student of the Game
Bindings
Binding Types - Front Row Binding
Loosehead bind
Takes first bind on
the hooks jersey
Hook bind
On the back or
under the armpits
of both props
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Tighthead bind:
Take second bind
over loosehead
bind, onto hooks
jersey
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Binding Types - Second Row Bindings
Outside bind
Pros:
• Pulls scrum together
• Can be more comfortable
• Consistent bind for new
players in all positions
Cons:
• Second row can slip up
prop’s back.
Telephone bind
Pros:
• Well connected bind
• Pulls scrum together
Cons:
• Can reduce mobility if too
low
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Be a Student of the Game
Foundations
Stability Exercises
Plank with Passing
Player gets into a push-up position, keeping a tight core, while squeezing
glutes together to maintain a plank position for set period of time.
Progression - catch a ball and pass it back using one hand while retaining
push-up position on other extended arm.
Side Plank
Player lies down sideways and supports their body with one arm. The
other arm rests on the hip. Player should keep entire body straight. The
legs should be extended and create a line with the spine and the head.
Do not let hips hang down. The forearm of the supporting arm should
remain flat on the ground. The elbow should be positioned directly with
the shoulder. This position should be stopped if player can no longer hold
perfect form.
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Partner Planks
One player kneels, while partner leans forward (facing each other).
Kneeling player holds other person on the shoulders while they maintain
a rigid 45 degree angle. Kneeling player then holds partner for 30 seconds.
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Be a Student of the Game
Scrum Posture Exercises
Prisoner Walk
Player squats down with arms behind head. Player starts walking. Walks
forward, backwards, and side-to-side. Player ensures that his or her chest
stays up/out and the shoulders stay back.
1v1 Scrum Practice
Players get in the correct pre-engagement position and engage as the
coach calls the engagament sequence. The players work to remain in
a good body position before, during and after they engage. Bindings
should be made on the oppostions side/back.
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Spinner
The defensive wrestler remains stationary on his or her hands and knees
while the offensive wrestler assumes a starting position with his chest in
contact with the defensive wrestler’s back. On the coach’s command the
offensive wrestler initiates a spinning movement around the defensive
wrestler contacting the ground with only his/her toes and contacting his
opponent with only his/her chest. Each time the offensive wrestler
reaches the opponents head, he should change directions. The
spinning should continue for intervals of 15 seconds to 1 minute. The
defensive wrestler should look to maintain a good scrummaging posture
throughout.
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Be a Student of the Game
Partner Shove
Players work in pairs. One player gets into a good body position. When in
position, the partner challenges the player by pulling and pushing them
in different directions. The player must resist by tightening their core and
holding good body position. Switch after 15 seconds.
Bear Crawl
On all fours and with arms extended, player crawls forwards on feet
instead of knees with a flat back and hips in line with shoulders. Head
should stay in neutral position. Coach should ensure back stays flat. This
will be helped by player pushing chest out and keeping shoulders back.
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Fundamentals
Stability Exercises
Scarecrows
Two partners face each other, one kneeling on the ground and the
other standing. The standing player leans over (30-45 degrees) with arms
extended from their side. The kneeling partner props the other up by
holding just inside their elbow (biceps). The kneeling partner takes a hand
away to create a rotational component on their partner. The standing
player must resist the rotation and maintain proper posture. Switch over
after 20-30 seconds.
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Be a Student of the Game
Scrum Plank
One partner assumes a position on hands and toes. Knees and hips
bent to 90-120 degrees with back flat. The other partner challenges
the worker by manipulating them and pushing them in different
directions. The working player must resist by tightening their core and
holding good body position. Switch over after 15 seconds.
Wobble Ball
Player takes a good scrum posture with one forearm against the stability
ball. Partner works to wobble the ball, increasing the difficulty for the
working player. Player should ensure that a good body position is kept.
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Scrum Posture Exercises
One Stability Ball Exercise
Player gets into a good body position on the Stability ball, with forearms
resting on the ball while keeping their chest off the ball. Player holds good
body position for 30-60 seconds.
1v1 (Engaged) - Take turns to drive 5 steps
Players get into a good scrum posture, then fold in together to form a
1v1 scrum. Arms should bind on the opposite player’s back or side. Once
steady, one player works to drive the other backwards with small steps.
Players try to maintain a good scrum posture throughout the drive.
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Be a Student of the Game
Single Player Engage On Sled
Player gets in the correct pre-engagement position and progresses as the
coach calls the engagament sequence. The players work to hold pressure
for 3-5 seconds before extending knees then stepping with feet.
Scrum Position - 1 and 2 ball balance
Player gets into a good body position with their arms outstretched on a
rugby ball placed under their hands (one hand at each end of the ball).
This is held for 10 - 15 seconds. Progress to have one ball under each hand
and have pressure from teammate pushing player off balance. Player
works to stay in a good scrum posture.
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1v1 (Engaged) - Elevator
Players get into a good body position before coming together to form a
1v1 scrum. Arms should bind on the opposite players back or side. Once
stable, the players bend their knees to lower the height of the scrum. This
should be done in a slow, controlled manner, while maintaining good
body posture. When knees nearly touch the ground, players should return
to starting position, while keeping a good body posture.
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Be a Student of the Game
Advancements
Scrum Posture Exercises
2v1 (Engaged)
The player working in this exercise is the person on their own. The players
come together to form a 2v1 scrum, with the single persons head between
the other two. The working player drives the two players back while
maintaining a good body position. The pair resists, but allows the single
player to drive them back.
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1v1 Crabbing Exercises
The first player player starts in the bear crawl position with knees on the
ground. The second player starts perpendicular and connects shoulders
to the back and wraps arms around the belly of the first player. Once
stable, the first player raises his or her knees from the ground and bear
crawls forward. The second player crab walks sideways while maintaining
a good body position.
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Be a Student of the Game
Prop/2nd row vs. Single Sled
Prop faces a single sled and allows a 2nd row to bind on to him or her.
They start by just leaning in to the sled, with no hit. Once in position they
look to maintain good body position. Progress to add a full engagement
sequence, while keeping a good posture.
2v2 (Prop & 2nd Row) Activity
One prop and one 2nd row bind on to each other. They will be the pair
working in this activity. Facing them are two players bound up, side by
side. The prop comes between the two opposite player’s heads to create a
2v2 scrum. Prop and 2nd row work together to drive the opposite players
while keeping a good body position.
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Team of 3v3 (Engaged)
In grounps of six, players work in teams of three. The working three bind
in the formation 1:2 (prop with 2nd row and flanker). The opposing three
form as a 2:1 (prop and hook with 2nd row). There is no engagement players fold in to form the scrum. The working three drive the opposing
three backwards while maintaining good scrum posture. The opposing
players give resistance while also maintaining good posture.
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Be a Student of the Game
USA Rugby
Resources
USA Rugby recommends coaches, teachers and referees stay current with
the game by these resources:
1. Rugby University webinars (http://usarugby.org/rugby-u)
2. USA Rugby’s Concussion Policy (http://usarugby.org/concussions)
3. USA Rugby Coaching Courses (http://usarugby.org/coaching)
4. USA Rugby Referee Courses (http://usarugby.org/referees)
5. IRB Online Resources (http://irbpassport.com)
• Rugby Ready
• First Aid in Rugby
• Laws
• Level 1 Strength and Conditioning
Disclaimer - Anyone intending to undertake any physical activity should
seek medical advice from a registered medical practitioner prior to
beginning. The information and guidelines regarding the skills of Rugby
and associated physical activity should only be used following and in
conjunction with advice from appropriately qualified trainers, coaches
and referees.
USA Rugby would like to acknowledge Scottish
Rugby and the iRB for their contributions in
producing this resource.
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DON’T ‘TOUGH OUT’ A CONCUSSION
KNOW THE 5 Rs
over
RECOGNIZE
Learn the signs and
symptoms of a concussion so you understand when an athlete
might have a suspected concussion.
If an athlete has a concussion or even a suspected concussion, he or
she must be removed from play immediately.
REMOVE
REFER
RECOVER
Once removed from play, the player should be referred immediately to
a qualified healthcare professional who is trained in evaluating and
treating concussions.
Full recovery from the concussion is required before return to play
is authorized. This includes being symptom-free. Rest and some
specific treatment options are critical for the health of the injured participant.
In order for safe return to play in rugby, the athlete must be symptom-free and cleared in writing by a qualified healthcare professional
who is trained in evaluating and treating concussions. USA Rugby strongly recommends that the athlete complete the GRTP (Graduated Return to Play) protocol.
RETURN
MORE INFORMATION
a Student of the Game
M O R E R E S O U R C E SBe USARUGBY.ORG/CONCUSSIONS
Find out more at usarugby.org
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