I'm about to begin coaching forwards at the college?

Rugby CoachCoach

Hi, from my experience as far as scrummaging is concerned concentrate on technique and routine. For example with a scrummage machine have them forming in a set routine, hit the machine, drive, break and go for a short jog round a post and get them to re-form again. Obviuosly when they re-form Hooker is central to the positioning either he controls the scrum or the tight head does as he hits first. Front row form, hooker/prop calls in the second row when they are ready. Back row and number eight bind ready. Hooker/prop calls the scrum to sit, ref gets them to do the touch, pause business then hooker on refs command can shout in. Get the lads doing this so it is second nature and you will have a strong coordinated scrummage. example calls could be as the front row are ready "seconds", when in and ready "sit", then on engage "hit". You can add a "two, three, four" after where everyone calls. Intimidates and you can sneak some small steps in forwards!! The above drill gets coordination and a bit of fitness. It is tiring and if it's not they are not doing it correctly. You can develop this to back row moves attacking some cones then a walk back for recovery.

Rugby CoachCoach

hi i play rugby league but i like union. As i am a forward i have some tips. Practise beating the tacklers 1 on 1 fittness dont let them get fat ruck plays tackling they must be able to tackle

Josh MacyCoach, United States of America

I would agree with Nathan on coaching your forwards to run with the ball. I would also focus on pride. Teach them to be a unit, and to take pride in being a forward. This can pay big dividends when it comes to work rate and cooperation in training.