Rugby: hooker

how does the hooker protect themselves from being bored by the opposition hooker and prop?

In 7's rugby, what is the best way to bind in the scrum? Is it the same at 15's, I've seen props bind onto one another then the hooker sits in the middle but slightly back from the props. What is the advantage of doing this?

I'm about to begin coaching forwards at the college level, any drills, conditioning, tips, or any suggestions from my more experienced ruggers will be greatly appreciated

Hi, Few years ago, I have heard a hooker telling that sometimes he was hooking with the left foot. I did not try to ask further at that time, but now I am wondering to know in which circumstance should a hooker do so. Is he allowed ? mostly for the team introducing the ball or the opposing team ? To have a stronger pressure against the opposing 1st row ? Thx for your comments

Please can someone tell me the main differance in the role of a loose head and tight head prop in a scrum?

Hi there, I was wondering thoughts on forward positions at the kickoff. Do you have the catchers deep so the are coming forward to meet the ball or have one deep and one short? For the pods do you have a "quick" pod made up of all three loosies and a lock and a "slow" pod made up of the front row and the lock or do you split them in two pods made up of a prop, a lock and two loosies and the other pod of a prop, a lock, the hooker and a loosie? Who would you tell to be the ball carrier, body movers and bridger? All thoughts welcome. CheersDave

feet position in the lineout throw?

is there a specific height that the ball should travel while being thrown into the line out

Positional rotation at U9 level... I originally posted this as answer to a question about squad rotation, but thought I might get a better response if I posted it as a question in its own right... I have an 8 year old at the age level you are talking about - he isn't the best player at the club by any means, but has his good moments. He loves watching the game, he has a good understanding of the way it is played (to the extent that he has often shouted at the telly over recent weeks at some of our illustrious stars when they're out of position) and he has good handling skills - to be honest he's just not brave enough in the tackle yet, but I know it'll come so I'm not making a big thing of it. However, he and a couple of others are constantly stuck on the wing, and are getting fed up with the fact that they don't get the opportunity to get involved much. The coaches seem to have their "big names" and as you say seem more interested in the short term aims of winning each game rather than trying to keep the lads interested and challenged each week. I know my son's aware that I think they should move them all around, although I have made a point of not criticising the coaches at all - I think he heard me talking about it to someone else. The coaches have talked about moving players to different positions, but haven't done it, and aren't really receptive when they are asked about it. There are two coaches, and the one that seems to have the "casting vote" is pretty autocratic and doesn't seem to accept criticism or suggestions. My son has mentioned about moving to another club, where he may or may not get more of a chance to shine, but I am not sure this is the right move as it may teach him to give up rather than sticking with something. Any thoughts please?

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hi, im a hooker. just moved up to senior level. my throwing is good but i want to improve on it, not only at short range but at long range aswell. can you give me some advise to point me in the right direction and some drills that will improve my skill

In a scrum situation, how far apart should a looseheads feet be?

Does anyone have drills for Line Outs at U12?

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How can we improve on our lineout throw so that the hooker and the jumper get their timing right

My son's u16 team is suffering from a wheeling scrum. The front row's height is 5'6 for the loosehead and hooker and 5'11 for the tighthead. Is this a contributary cause? My guess would be that their shoulders are not hitting squarely, causing an angle.

At a recent u12's match, the home ref, who is also a L2 coach penalized the hooker for foul play. At the end of the match at the debrief, the ref said to the hooker in front of his peers that he would have sent him off if there had been any subs. Is this against the guidelines of the child protection and did he dip out of his duties as a ref. What are your thoughts? Gary SWales

please how do idefine the players in the pitchie. who is the flanker, hooker, fly half etc

I was asked a question  by email recently and I thought it would be good to put it here as a question for anyone else to comment on%3A Dear sir, I played for 35 yr.s mostly hooker, some back line play. I was tutored in 1972 by former US Eagle hooker Jessie Lopez. We need to stabilize modern era scrums, specifically the front row. The way it's been done forever is wrong. Currently two pressure points come together head to head; and ofcourse the front rows twist amp; turn, left and right, up and down. Thus we are having more injuries with increased focus on scrum strength. FRONT ROWS SHOULD COME TOGETHER CONCAVE AS OPPOSED TO CONVEX. The hookers need to take the under bind on the props instead of the traditional over the top.This technique works much better by dispersing/spreading the impact.Also the hooker being set back about 6 inches is less at risk. If you don't think I know what I am talking about then ask some professionals who serve as the battering ram to try it. Their is a thin line separating safety from serious injury my friend. The way it's done now is time proven to be dangerous. You sir are probably not a hooker or tight head, so go inquire. It might not seem like a noticeable difference, but if it saves a couple people from getting thier necks broke next year - THEN IT BECOMES A BIG DIFFERENCE !! Thanks, Tim Nicodemus Fort Wayne Rugby Club