Scrum machine
A scrum machine, or scrummaging machine, is a padded, weighty device against which a pack of rugby football forwards can practice scrummaging and rucking.[1] The purpose of the scrum machine is to provide teams with a safe tool with which to improve the strength and skills of their players.[2]
The ideal engagement of a pack into a scrum is a simultaneous movement in the hit, shunt and drive. It is the instantaneous force exerted that makes the difference, not the sum of all the forces over time. Even small packs that coordinate in this fashion and hit 'on the beat' can control their scrums consistently.[citation needed]
In recent times, a British manufacturer, Aramis Rugby have invented a Digital Scrum Machine which displays and records in real-time all forces exerted in a scrum by the whole team and by individual player.[3] Analysis of this can lead to better body positioning of players to attain maximum force and drive. The Aramis digital scrum machines have been in use at major tournaments worldwide[4] including Six Nations Championship, Hong Kong Sevens & Premiership Rugby finals at Twickenham Stadium and are also currently used by Premiership team Worcester Warriors.[5]
A similar piece of equipment called a blocking sled is used by American football players.
Scrum machine types
The most common types are either the sled or the roller.
However, there are others, often for specific purposes or needs.
- Digital Machine - For real-time display and analysis of forces exerted by full team or individual players.
- Roller Machine
- Indoor
- Junior - For training children.
- One-man - Against which forwards, rather than a pack, can practice their scrum skills.
- Portable - often abled to be folded down, and with a container on the back which can be filled with sand or water to bolster weight.
- Trailer - which can be attached and detached from a vehicle.
- Skid Mounted (Kiwi Sled) - Timber or galvanised steel skids on the base with push back pads.
See also
References
- ^ "Team Scrum Machine". School of Engineering and Physics, University of the South Pacific. Retrieved 2010-05-17.
- ^ "Effective Scrummaging" (PDF). www.rugbyottawa.com. Retrieved 2010-05-17.
- ^ "Digital Rugby Machines". Aramis Rugby. 5 January 2017. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
- ^ "Aramis Rugby in South Molton makes interactive scrum machines for international tournament". North Devon Gazette. 10 March 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
- ^ "Warriors appoint Aramis as scrum machine supplier" (Press release). Worcester Warriors. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
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