Martin's Rugby Coaching Forum

Hi - I'm a second row playing at very junior level - I have a question regarding the prop I'm behind.

The very first thing he does after the scum engages is to take a deep step back with is left foot - this is having the effect of twisting me around and also the opposition usually then gets the shove on as he takes the step compounding the problem - i.e. we are then going backwards straightaway and usually end up wheeling back and to the left.

Now is this something I'm doing wrong - or is it him? What sould we be doing to get this right?

Cheers - Alex

I always like my front row to keep their feet in line, especially the TH since he is not responsible to keep the ball in the tunnel.

When your TH becomes instable he will take a step back to stretch his leg to find a stable position again. When he becomes instable the second row needs to re-position too.
This is problably the result of the gap between the tow fornt rows being too big, or even an knee injury.

He should be close to the mark, his feet spread a bit outside his hip. On "crouch" he should sit on the second row shoulder. This way he creates distance from his opponent and the height for the optimum "engage".

Your story also leads me to think that he is not looking up when engaging and thus has no upwards push. If his opponent does use this technique he will be pushed backwards at the hit causing him to reposition.

If he engages with the proper technique he can still stretch after the engage which will help when the ball is thrown-in.


hope this helps!
J.