Hooker questions

Question
Hey Mate,
Two Questions:
1.)  What are my main roles after either myself or my opposing hooker makes the strike?  I have been told to "act like a third prop" but that's about the extent of my instruction.  I am looking to provide my scrum with the most positive benefits at all times.
2.)  What are my specific roles in open play?  Am I more like a loose forward at those times, and what should I be doing at the breakdowns?  

Thanks so much,
James
ERFC

Answer
G'day James.

For scrums once you have hooked the ball plant both your feet shoulder width apart squat (like a prop, get a prop to show you) and push. The link below helps with technique:

http://www.myoquip.com.au/Scrum_equal_joint_article.htm

You may want to add in a call that you make as hooker to get the front row / scrum to sink again in unison and give a coordinated shunt.

On defense have a good strike at the ball or in some cases you act like a prop (see above) and get your tight head prop  to have a go with his left foot (work on this is practice to feel it out) Change it up during the game to fit the situation.

If the ball is well won buy the opposition act like a prop (see above) and call a big sink and push from your team.

Notice how communication is involved no matter what the technique is.

In open play you need to read the opposition and the game. If the opposition is playing a tight game you may be needed to play tight to fight mauls etc. If the game is open play like a flanker. Read the previous questions I answered about  a hooker  the same applies to you (I just answered the question a few moments ago.) Also read my answers regarding flankers.

Read the game, if the maul or ruck is obviously won stay off and come in as a runner. IF the ball is not won then you are needed. Make sure your half back communicates well, he may see the ball when you can't.

Move opposition players off the ruck forcefully, be in support like a flanker to take passes or rip the ball of team mates in the tackle.

Let me know if you have any more questions