Prop (Loose Head, Tight Head)

Major Requirements

1. Strength
2. Have developed neck, shoulders, back and leg muscles.
3. Developed correct technique to apply strength - feet position, body angle, correct binding and push.
4. Mental and physical durability.
5. All round fitness and stamina.
6. Understanding with hooker.

Essential Skills

Handling

1. Ability to take and give a short pass.
2. Ability to control, manipulate a rip out and roll of a maul.
3. Ability to take a deflection from a line out including a line out peel.

Running

1. Ability to run with determination and commitment.
2. Ability to sprint over short distances.
3. Ability to run after strenuous physical effort.

Kicking

1. An ability to line kick under pressure.
2. An ability to dribble the ball.
3. An ability to punt.

Contact

1. An ability to scrummage effectively (note safety laws.)
2. Ability to bind tightly with hooker and to form stable front row platform.
3. Ability to support in line out.
4. Ability to legitimately prevent opposition from breaking through the line out.
5. Ability to tackle from close positions.
6. Ability to maul and ruck - body position low for driving forward.
7. A continuous commitment to secure good ball.

Remember

1. The props game is mainly played in close contact situation scrums, mauls, rucks, line outs. Develop strength and skills to be effective under these conditions.
2. Your technique, strength and ability are vital to the success, safety and effectiveness of your scrum. Strength, binding, body position, push and co-ordination are therefore important.
3. You are aiming to win good ball for your team and destroy the effectiveness of opposition ball.
4. You must be strong, and have developed neck, shoulder and leg strength.
5. Tight head and loose head props have different roles and slightly different requirements. Practise in each position.