What can i do to improve my hooker and general rugby skills?

Question

i just started playing rugby for my school last september. im the hooker now by default and i want to be the best that i can be. what can i do to be a better hooker and be a better rugby player all round?

ps-what exercises should i do to get into shape and be more powerful?

Answer 1

Put a target ( a hoop) on a brick wall or something and practice throwing lineouts. Even standing on the try line and throwing to the uprights can increase accuracy as long as you step back each time you get it. Scrummaging comes with a lot of pratice on scrum machines or PLAYING. Just keep at it and you'll come right.

Answer 2

"Hooker by default"???? Sounds extremely dangerous to me!!! Being a front row player is like learning a trade, you need to start at a young age to develop your skills as well as your physique.

Don't be talked into playing hooker just because no-one else wants to play there. Serious spinal injuries can & do happen to guys like you that are simply thrown into playing there. How old are you?

As the previous answer has stated, practice, practice, practice your lineout throws. Then practice some more.

Hit the gym at least 3 times per week in the off season, concentrate on the large muscle groups (Quads, chest, shoulders, back). Heavy weights, low reps. Seek the advice of a personal trainer to devise a weight training program.

As the playing season approaches, cut back on the weights & concentrate on cardiovascular work. A few interval sessions per week, (short bursts of high intensity running followed by slower paced running). Also try & do one long run (10km+) each week.