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JOIN NOWI have a quick question on the positioning of the hooker in the scrum primarily feet positioning, is there a guide or is it what ever the hooker feels comfortable with to get the job done. I´ve noticed a wide stance throws the props off.
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Tony MezaAdministrator, Costa Rica
ANSWERS
Gary DCoach, Northern Ireland
Hi Tony,
Following link is a bit slow but at approx 2m.40s explains how hooker and props bind in and feet position.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sk-346090U&feature=PlayList&p=E06EFE164FF49229&index=1
Another scrum set up series is at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSvyDLTdlyU&feature=PlayList&p=E06EFE164FF49229&index=6
On your ball you're expecting to hook the ball back and therefore the non-hooking foot (generally the left) is slightly behind and to the right (this helps create the space for the ball to go between prop and hooker feet), the hooking foot (the right ) is brought slightly forward and to the left ready to strike on the feed. Against the head, your feet are positioned to help with the shove as you're not expecting the feed to come to you. Increasingly at higher levels, the scrum-halfs are getting away with feeding the ball and therefore feet position for the hook is not as important as leaving space for the ball to travel down the channel, but beware the ref!
Generally I always found that it was the stance of the props that interfered with the hooker, not the other way round. Wide prop stances (or incorrect feet positions) can block the hooking channel. Stand by for the props to have their say, ha ha 
P.S.
General scrum tips:
chuck yardleyCoach, Wales
I THINK NOWADAYS THE IMPORTANT FEATURE FOR ANY HOOKER IS TO FEEL COMFOORTABLE WITH HIS OR HER BINDING. IV NOTICED NOW THAT ELITE COACHING IS TEACHING HOOKERS TO BIND WITH A LEG FORWARD LOW STANCE ,SO THAT THE PROPS ACTUALLY COME DOWN TO THE HOOKER .RATHER THAN BIND HIGH WITH ARMS UP SO AS TO REALIGN BODY POSITION FOR THE ENGAGEMENT. NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY . MY THREE RULES. 1.COMFORT 2.ALLOW YOURSELF MOVEMENT (DONT BE RIGID) 3. STAY STRONG
Gary DCoach, Northern Ireland
Hi Tony, Found this link it's a drill for practising Hooking skill, may be of use...
http://www.irishrugby.ie/512_526.php
