scrum machine

{{Short description|Practice device for rugby players}}

File:Scrum machine training.jpg pack, training on a scrum machine.]]

A scrum machine, or scrummaging machine, is a padded, weighty device against which a pack of rugby forwards can practice scrummaging and rucking.{{cite web|url=http://www.usp.ac.fj/index.php?id=5670|title=Team Scrum Machine|publisher=School of Engineering and Physics, University of the South Pacific|accessdate=2010-05-17|archive-date=2011-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726200500/http://www.usp.ac.fj/index.php?id=5670|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://rugbyottawa.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/effective_scrummaging.pdf|title=Effective Scrummaging|website=www.rugbyottawa.com|accessdate=2010-05-17}}{{Dead link|date=March 2023}}{{Dead link|date=March 2023}}

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.{{cn|date=May 2017}}

A similar piece of equipment called a blocking sled is used by American football players.