Hooker

Major Requirements

1. Ability to win scrummage ball on own team's feed and, if required to throw accurately at line out.
2. Be physically fit.
3. Have developed leg, upper body and neck strength.
4. Good co-ordination between eye and foot movement.

Essential Skills

Scrummaging

1. Ability to bind tightly and quickly with props. Weight training and exercises to develop neck, shoulders, arms, back and leg muscles are essential.
2. Ability to position head, body and legs in correct position, head forced up, hips below level of shoulders, eyes on the ball.
3. Ability to time striking foot with feed of ball into the scrum and push.
4. Ability to feed ball when struck into appropriate channel.

Line Out

1. Ability to throw varied length balls with accuracy.
2. Ability to position body, head and arms for throw. Ball should be visible to forwards.
3. Ability to communicate with forward jumpers, to discuss type of throw - height, speed, trajectory of ball.

Handling

1. Ability to take and give a variety of passes.
2. Ability to manipulate, rip out and roll off maul.
3. Ability to pick up line out deflections and charge down prop outs.

Kicking

1. An ability to dribble the ball with control.
2. An ability to line kick under pressure.

Contact

Majority of energy is used in contact and tight play scrums, mauls, rucks, line outs.

1. Ability to scrummage correctly.
2. Ability to maul and ruck.
3. Ability to support in line outs and general play.
4. Ability to tackle from close positions.
5. Ability to fall on ball and regain feet quickly.

Remember

1. Know the laws of the game.
2. Develop your physique to withstand the pressures of the game.
3. It is important to win your own feed.
4. Practice striking for the ball with your scrum half and front row.
5. Body position is important.
6. Fitness is essential.
7. Practice binding with your front row - use scrum machine if possible.
8. Practice throwing the ball to line outs. If your forwards are not available use a post for accuracy.