Scrum Prayer Drill [7-007]

To ensure the player has their weight forward and correct body position for scrum engagement

Former All Black and Crusaders prop and current Crusaders forwards coach, Dave Hewett, demonstrates with Canterbury players the Scrum Prayer Drill. This drill is designed to get the players body weight forward on the balls of their feet, which enables players to be more balanced and in control while scrummaging. This drill also allows for players to be aware and understand the biomechanics of their own body position.

Level: High School & Above

Categories: Scrums

Coaching Points:
00:0:20.000 - Bend at your hips first
00:0:22.000 - Bend at your knees
00:0:36.000 - Weight is on the balls of your feet, back straight and head in a neutral position
00:0:41.000 - Bodyweight is forward and hands should be in front of the players knee caps


Common Faults:
#1. Players bend at their knees first which means the players end up with their weight on their heels, as indicated with their hands are behind the knee cap, as opposed to the front


Instructions:
#1. Have forwards stand in a position by themselves.
#2. To stand with hands up at the nipples.
#3. Bend hips first then the knees
#4. Bend hips first then the knees.


Contributors:
#1. Dave Hewett
Former All Black and Crusaders prop, Current Crusaders Assistant Coach
Hugely respected up and coming forward specialist Hewett played 22 Tests for New Zealand and 71 Super Rugby games at prop for the Crusaders. A product of the winning Crusaders environment Dave’s technical scrum ability and communication style has seen him rise rapidly through the ranks taking up a role as Crusaders Assistant Coach in 2010.