Tips for the loose head in a rugby scrum

Head position

• It can be advantageous for the loose head to get his head underneath the tight head’s, and onto the opponent’s chest.
• It is likely that their tight head prop will want to go “cheek-to-cheek”, to keep your loose head square and not allow them to wheel.

The head is placed in the middle of the tight head’s chest (pictured above). This depends on the speed of the game. If there are “three-second” scrums, then this technique is unlikely.

Under pressure from the opposition

Placing the left foot forward puts you in a more stable position, but not in such a strong pushing position.

It also enables you to use your left arm more effectively, but only slightly, otherwise your shoulders and hips are too far out of position. Be aware of being lifted off the ground (second rows will need to give a little to help alleviate this).

Relieving pressure from the opposition by moving the left foot forward (pictured above). This provides a more stable position but is not very dynamic – there is little chance of a strong “go forward” action from this position.

Secrets on how to reduce pressure

• If you are twisted round by the tight head, try to use your left shoulder (which is free from contact) to square up rather than push. Lots of work in one-on-one situations should improve this skill.
• On your own put-in, don’t always aim to shove. Lock out the legs and try to get as many studs into the ground as possible (this can be done by splaying the feet slightly).

If you are more dominant than your opposite number

• Concentrate on putting pressure on the same spot on the opposition tight head every time with your head.
• Adjust the height of the engagement on the opposition tight head to disrupt their engage and subsequent push.
• Push them off the ball, but be aware of wheeling.
• Don’t allow the tight head to pull you to emphasise the wheel on your own ball. (More than 90 degrees and the ball is turned over.)

Secrets of dominating effectively

There is a danger that one prop dominates while the other does not, causing an imbalance in the team’s scrum, thus disrupting the shove and reducing its effectiveness. Both props need to be communicating as much as possible to take full advantage of the chance to individually dominate.

For maximum disruption of the opposition tight head

• Bind later than their tight head expects.
• Change the height of the engagement.

This article is from my Secrets of the Front Row manual.