A scrum machine, or scrummaging machine, is a padded, weighty device against which a pack of rugby football

Rugby football

Rugby football is a style of football named after Rugby School in the United Kingdom. It is seen most prominently in two current sports, rugby league and rugby union.-History:...

 forwards can practice scrummaging

Scrum (rugby)

Scrum , in the sports of rugby union and rugby league, is a way of restarting the game, either after an accidental infringement or when the ball has gone out of play...

, and rucking.

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 co-ordinate in this fashion and hit 'on the beat' can control their scrums consistently. 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.

Scrum machine types

The most common types are either the sled or the roller.

However, there are others, often for specific purposes or needs.

• Bespoke - numerous homemade scrum machines are in use.
• 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.

External links

• Fiji Rugby Scrum Machines
• The Agile Scrum machine
• The Hurricanes' forwards hit the scrum machine
• Assessment of Scrummaging Performance