Note: this page is based on IRB coaching material, my own experiences and feedback from other coaches. Thanks Norman!

In General

When you want to create a high performance team you need to look at the team assets and individual strengths of players. Piecing together the optimum position for the players is one of the great teambuilding activities of the coach and his players.

I think a lot of coaches underestimate the motivational power that will develop when you start working with the players and discussing where their competence's will benefit the team the most.

With these players specific pages I hope to identify the main tasks that come along with the position. A great teambuilding activity would be to let the team match their individual skills with the positions.

Definition is one, to agree with these tasks is important, performing the tasks is the third thing. Doing all three with all the players in the team is an elementary step to a successful team !

Good luck in developing your team spirit!

Tight Head Prop (Number 3)

The tight head prop is the anchorman in the scrum and leads the attack on the opposition scrum. He must be a rock solid scrimmager. Total concentration at the scrum is required to be effective, making the scrum an attacking weapon, wearing down the opposition as the match progresses.

He should be dedicated to training in the gym to obtain that competitive edge. Going backwards in scrums should not be an option. Good scrimmaging = good rucks and mauls.

Mental Perspective

Props must be the most intense players on the pitch. This intensity must come to the fore during a scrum. The focus and concentration--physical, mental, emotional--required to dominate in the scrum, particularly at elite levels, far surpasses that displayed by other players.

There is a difference in the two prop positions that could very well be reflected in the character of the players. The Loose Head (LH) needs to be more aggressive. And although the TH will always be facing both the opposition Hooker and LH and will always be dominated he should be determined to pin the opposition LH down.

Line-out

A number of things:

(usually No. 1) take up a stance and stand square at the throw-in.
support the jumper in his leap.
bind and drive in the follow up, other players will look after the ball.

Scrum

The TH wants to utilize his natural advantage of being on the inside and drive on the bone on the back of the LH's neck direction down and back along his spine. Although he should be aggressive, he needs to be focused on his goal. He wants to push right through the second row and dominate the opposition LH.

I have a special page set up for building the scrum.

Offence

Being mobile is important - in effect another back row player - and being comfortable with the ball in hand. In today's modern fast dynamic rugby game it is essential that the two props get to the breakdown quickly, the first few meters are important from set play and make their presence felt with the binding and driving, strong mauling, the occasional pick-and-go and as a runner off second phase ball.

When approaching second phase play, decide whether you are joining a ruck/maul. No decision and simply going over the ball and bridge always seem the safe option - but challenge yourself: THINK! No decision is just as bad as a wrong decision......

read the opposition
participate actively in the lineout, support or not supporting the jumper
support the ball carrier on two sides (anywhere on the field)
be at the on-even or even second phase-play, divide the rolls op play
continue play in open area
look for the room between the opposition, not for the opposition

Rucks:

bind and drive past the ball
bind on the side which is most advantageous to your own team, take out the opposition and/of protect the ball
occasionally you can scoop the ball up and continue going forward. Think fist! are my backs in the ruck and where are my support players. Know this before entering the ruck
build a platform to protect the ball, at all legal cost
get involved when you are in the circle of influence

Mauls: own ball

prevent mauling by having mini rucks
bind on the side to protect delivery of the ball
act as the pivot for a rolling maul, after initially contributing to the forward drive
place the pivot on the spot where the is exploitation possible on the oppositions behalf

This player has to be an all-rounder in open play and is an excellent passer off both hands.

Defense

A good defender around the fringes and in cover. With most play seeing many more phases, the props end up everywhere in the defensive line. This can lead to a possible mismatch where a slower prop has to defend a speedy center. For this reason the props have to move inside to the marker positions next to the breakdown.

Defence:

have the ability to make good decisions
make offensive hits
know the roll you play in the defensive organization
compete always for the ball
pressure opposition in every position of play

Rucks: opposition ball

provide ball retainment
drive forward to slow down or stop their continuous play
bind with a team mate for better effect and remember your body position on entering

Mauls: opposition ball

drive forward to slow down or stop their continuous play
upset their delivery of the ball
stop the rotation of the maul by driving onto the legs on the side towards which the maul is rolling, again make it happen to stop a maul!
be aware that the backs could cut back against the initial flow of play. Be prepared to tackle the initial ball carrier

Key issues

He must be a strong scrimmager, strong runner and competitive.
One of the most vital positions in the team having to make important decisions at scrum and line out time.

My favorite TH prop of all times

I like the front row of the 2006 and 2007 Italy team: small but very strong and clever, beating many bigger and stronger opponents. But my favorite is David Soule of Scotland.