Any tips for Loose Head props?

Beast Number 1

Hi, I am 30 years old and have been playing rugby at open age for around ten years (mostly back row). As our club faced a shortage of props and I am about 5 foot 10 and 16 stone (not fat!) I decided that it would be in everyones interest for me to bulk up in the gym and give the front row a go.

I have got to say I love it. I have played around 5 or 6 games at loose head and have not really been 'screwed' until yesterday. My opposite number was around 18/19 stone and 4 inches taller. Basically the back of my neck is red raw and stiff!!

I am seeking a bit of advice on how I can gain the upper hand, put the tight head off his stroke, and generally make my self a nuicance within the laws of the game (and without if I can get away with it ;-).

I want to be good at this but am concious I am smaller than some props, although fitter, and there are plenty of fellas out there who have been doing this for years and take great pleasure in making life uncomfortable for the opposite number!

Any tipe welcome, especially from experienced tight heads who can explain what makes life tough for them!

Thanks

pappyodaniel

It's such a specialist position that I think the only way to learn it is to gain match experience and extra training and advice from other props.

Fair play to ya putting the team before yourself, it shows your commitment to the club but just be careful out there.

maherro

Hey just read your post. I played prop for 7 years on both sides of the scrum. Glad to see you're enjoying it - it's the best position in the game in my opinion!

This isn't the be all and end all, just a few thoughts that popped in my head.

Firstly you said that you're going to the gym and hitting the weights. The most important area in terms of scrummaging Is your core. By core I mean thighs, buttocks, lower back and abs. By far the best exercise and the one to concentrate most on for power are squats - It is essentially the same positiion as in the scrum.

In terms of technique, for me it all starts from how you set up and I found that it helped to have a mental check list that I went through before I scrummaged.

1. Sort your flanker and 2nd row - In such a way that you are able to let some of your weight rest on them. Don't be afraid to make sure they know who's in charge, you're at the tip of the spear and you need to let the know what you need & want. You want your flanker to get his shoulder underneath your buttock same for the 2nd row. The 2nd row should have his arm between your legs and binding on the shorts.

2. Straighten your back! This is one of the most important things to have done as it allows you to efficiently transfer the power from your flanker and 2nd row against your opponent.

3. Once you crouch down (while keeping your back straight!) make sure to to keep your head up as this has the effect of automatically straightening your back. Your left arm should be kept up alongside your head this will be used later.

4. On the engagement you want to keep your head as close to his as possible all the the while keeping your head up ab back straight. Your arm, and this is v imp, should be used to bind his shoulder while also tryin to force his arm as low as possible this will make him un-straighten his back.

5. Once the initial engagement is done you shoul try an get your feet back up under neath you this allow you to really put the pressure on once the ball appears. When the ball does appear you push forwad while trying to stand up

Wow that was my longest post ever! Hope it was of some use

toomevara

Not the place for this guys (although I appreciate some good info has been given here). Take advice from coaches/trainers.