Training with Scrum OSTM
Modes, Features, & Applications
Because it does everything that traditional scrum machines do, the ScrumMaster "International"
can indeed be called a scrum machine. But the ScrumMaster™ is much more. Its unique
design makes the ScrumMaster™ more versatile and complete than any other training
equipment available. In addition, critical safety and training features are available
that are activated by simply turning a dial on the ScrumMaster™.
In order to use all the training options of the ScrumMaster™ to their full potential,
coaches need to understand their uses and know which are present in each mode.
Measurements
The following capabilities have not been available previously on any scrummaging
machine:
The ability to accurately measure pressures that scrummagers can (1) exert while
under no pressure or (2) withstand while under pressure from the machine and most
importantly to measure team and individual improvements.
USING THE MODES
The six modes of the ScrumMaster™ allow athletes to improve and monitor their
personal scrummaging strength, endurance and posture, while giving coaches a safe
environment to teach, develop, and practise all the different skills needed for powerful
scrummaging. The ScrumMaster™ has been designed to provide these opportunities under
the safest of conditions.
For safety's sake the Automatic Braking System (ABS) is always
monitoring the stability on contact, the speed at which the International™ moves,
and matches the braking to the amount of pressure that a scrum pushes.
Manual
As its name suggests, this mode gives the operator manual control over all movements
of the machine. In Manual Mode, because of its passive engagement, the machine simulates
a traditional sledge-based scrum machine and can be used as such. This mode is perfect
for teaching the basics of proper body position and posture, for the pads catch the
hit, safely slows down the engagement and does not apply any pressure back until
the operator decides.
Over time, an operator can apply appropriate pad pressures to help build strength
and scrummaging technique.
This mode is also used to record the peak pressure that a pack or individual player
can exert This peak capacity then works as a baseline for safe use in the energized
modes such as Snap Shove, Strength Training and Individual Training. This measurement
is truly what pressure the props can generate and direct through the pads and is
therefore a useful gauge of long-term progress and scrummaging power.
Power Driving
- Power Driving Mode is used primarily to train the "wheel". The operator selects the target pressures for each side of the pack. Once both props have attained their individual goals, the brakes are relaxed. The machine then moves in the direction dictated by the balance and pressures which are applied -- thereby allowing the pack to practice loosehead and tighthead wheels.
- Straight Drive training -- where a coach wishes to improve the “chasing up “ and the ‘driving strength of the pack -- is another unique feature of the ScrumMaster. Once the pack reaches its targets and is driving forward the equipment will record the horse power of the moving scrum. This type of measurement is therefore available for the first time ever to help coaches develop this important skill and benchmark performance improvements .
Training suggestions include:
- Move the International™ onto the practice pitch and use as a platform for set plays utilizing the full XV.
- Run back row plays from centre of field or either sideline with the pack creating the wheel in order to provide the best ball for the backs.
Coaching Comments: In Power Driving the machine will only move when targets
are met. A coach is able to stand behind the backs and instruct the team to start
with a scrum and instruct the back row to initiate the play once the pack has moved
the machine. This ensures that the work is being done in the scrum before they break
up to support the rest of the play.
Snap Shove
This mode rewards an instantaneous increase of pressure (Snap Shove). The Snap
Shove will disrupt the footing of the opposition.
This is different from Power Driving Mode in that forward movement is achieved only
with a concerted “Snap Shove”. A slow buildup of pressure will not move the machine,
a collective timed effort is necessary .
The following example may help to illustrate this:
If the pad target pressures are set at 300 kg, the pack must withstand this load
and quickly generate 400 kg of forward pressure to overcome the brakes.
If the build up is not cohesive or if it is too slow, the ScrumOS will react by raising
the braking to 400 kg and no movement will result. A timed and intense surge must
therefore be applied before the pack is rewarded and the ScrumMaster trainer moves.
To help develop the ability to withstand the opposition’s Snap Shove this mode will
also simulate this action as if it were being applied against the home team scrummage.
The following example may help to illustrate this:
If the pad target pressures are set at 300 kg, a pack must hold this weight once
it has engaged. On the Coach’s command the ScrumMaster™ will generate a 400 kg pulse
of forward pressure per pad to test the player’s positioning and stability.
(The amount of snap applied is approximately 30% more than the amount being held
by the pack.)
Once this technique is mastered a more advanced session can be performed whereby
the operator can snap forward one side of the scrum. It is then up to the players
to identify where the pressure is coming from and react to stop its forward movement
-- thus stopping the opposition from imposing a manipulative wheel.
Strength Training
Using the baseline established in Manual Mode, the operator sets the pad pressure
at the baseline plus 5 percent. Once the pressure is held, a five-second timer will
start. At four seconds, the pressure gauges record the force exerted by the scrummagers.
At five seconds, the timed cycle ends, relaxes the brake and the pressure on the
pads shift trainer . The subsequent movement gives the pack some positive re-enforcement,
as well as new turf for the next scrummage. The baseline for the next session may
be set using the average of the previous session or by re-testing the base line strength
which will indicate the gain in strength. Strength and endurance will increase by
using this mode.
Training suggestions include:
- 3 sets of 3 scrums plus 1; rest between sets
- follow each scrum with a sprint to a cone (backrow -- 30-40m; tight five -- 10-20 m).
- increase pressure levels between each set of 3
- (ie, baseline plus 5, 10, 15 %, plus 20, 25, 30 %, plus 35, 40, 45 %, final 1 maximum 50 % etc.)
- vary activity between scrums: contact drills, wrestling, burpees, push-ups, sit-ups etc.
Individual Training
The Individual Mode is similar to the Strength Training Mode except that only one pad is active. With individual training the pressures and vectors applicable to any scrum position can be accurately simulated. The Automatic Pressure Release function makes the International an ideal and safe tool for individual training. Athletes can use either side for strength training and endurance, and they can use the pressure gauges to record peak pressures exerted to monitor their improvements. Unlike almost all weight training this type of work will utilize all the correct muscle groups for any scrum position.
Training this way may be individually directed, or set to a specific training
program.
Training suggestions include:
- to increase power, determine individual baseline pressure levels, and use as in Strength Training Mode
- to increase endurance, set pressure low and execute several (15-20) scrums one after the other; maintain good position and posture
- set on low pressure to use for gradual and game-related rehab/physiotherapy. Chart progress.
Moving
Moving Mode shuts off all brake and pad pressures, and extends the thrust tubes
for easy manouveriability. As a result, scrums no longer have to be practised in
one place only. The ScrumMaster™ can be moved onto the field to practise situational
plays involving the entire team, and then quickly moved off when the full field is
needed for games etc.