The Insider’s Guide to Better Scrummaging

Now updated to include the latest
scrummaging laws

Written and edited by Dan Cottrell, editor of the internationally acclaimed Rugby Coach newsletter, Secrets of The Front

Covering the strategies and tactics, methods and techniques required to create a commanding front row that dominates the

engagement, this manual is unique in its scope – and a first for this aspect of rugby union.

Secrets of the Front Row is now updated to include the latest scrummaging laws - what they are, how they affect the scrum and insight into turning them to your advantage.

It is a manual that can be used to build up player and coaching expertise in one of the least documented and understood areas of the game – which if applied correctly will lead to success in the scrummage and, in turn, the forwards contest as a whole.

Player Skills and Coaching Points

There is a dedicated chapter for each of the front row positions: hooker, loose-head and tight-head. Each chapter provides detailed player skills and coaching points covering feet, body and head positions, psychology and communication. The chapter for the hooker, for example, has advice on options for striking the ball in the put in, the different ball channels to use, and how to react when under pressure.

The chapters for the props look at their respective binding options with the hooker and the opposition, how to dominate opponents and create maximum disruption. There’s also an entire chapter on how to choose between being a tight-head and loose-head prop.

Secrets of the Front Row is packed with sensible and sound advice from both top flight professionals plus amateurs with long years of experience. It provides a depth of knowledge about the front row not available in any other publication or web resource.

These insights, which have been compiled from extensive research and interviews, provide players and coaches with clear, simple, proven-to-work actions that will lead to improved performance. Every chapter is illustrated with fully-explained, no nonsense line drawings to clarify and illuminate the point being made.

Winning the Engagement

Winning the engagement is one of the most important challenges facing the front row, and the chapter on this element of the game leaves no aspect untouched. The benefits from success – quick and easy ball, higher morale, subdued opponents, the push-over try – explain why winning the engagement should be a priority coaching area.

Triumphing in the clash of the opposing front rows requires the front three and their supporting players to demonstrate teamwork, controlled aggression and to act in unison. Secrets of the Front Row explains what techniques should be followed to develop these skills and reveals the expert secrets behind attaining them. These include what to shout to help the timing, the right front row mental approach, the best body positions to adopt plus, crucially, what not to do.

From the manual:

After the engagement, winning the put in or strike is crucial. Why is it important not only to win the put in but to win it well? Again, it means quick ball for moves, but also makes it easier for the No 8 to manipulate the ball. Furthermore the back row can afford to concentrate on other things, like back row moves or supporting the back line.

From the manual:

A Comprehensive Instruction and Training Manual

This manual cannot guarantee to turn your front row into a well-oiled machine – only the coach and the players can do that – but it provides the tools for coaches and players to attain targets that with application should lead to better results.

Secrets of the Front Row is an instruction and training manual for every aspect of front row play. Players considering taking up one of these roles should read the individual chapters on the idea characteristics required for the positions. Experienced members of the front row fraternity will find new angles and tactics from the extensive quotes and advice gathered from around the world. Coaches will find fresh tips and guidance that they can use for session after session.

Packed with Benefits for Rugby Coaches

There are comprehensive sections on binding covering all the options, including the way the second row bind with the front row. Alternative hand positions for binding are illustrated, plus different grip and set-up techniques that can improve front row effectiveness.

Take up our special launch offer to save 33% on the usual cost and you could be benefiting from better results within weeks!

P.S. You have nothing to lose as you are protected by our money back guarantee.