A scrum is a way of restarting play in the sport of rugby after the ball has gone out of play or after a penalty. In a scrum, eight forwards from both teams form a unit, and the front four players of both teams engage so that their heads are interlocked with the opposition's. The ball is thrown into the middle of the scrum, and both teams try to emerge with possession of the ball.
Throw-in
After the scrum has been formed by both teams, and both have been inspected by the referee, a scrum half throws the ball into the middle of the scrum. The area where the ball is thrown in is called the tunnel. If a team committed a rule violation or sent the ball out of bounds, the opposition gets the ball to start the throw in. Members of the front row must touch the ball. If the ball is thrown in to the second row, it is an illegal throw. The throw-in must be one continuous motion and cannot be faked.
Hooking the Ball
Hooking the ball is the process of gaining control of it once the scrum has started. Players from both teams try to force the ball backwards to where it can be controlled and an offensive play can get started. If you and your teammates can get your feet on the ball and send it to the players in the rear of the scrum, you have hooked the ball successfully.
Legal Technique
The front-row players from both sides can only move forward. They cannot move at an angle to gain leverage. Front-row players can only push forward with their hands and they cannot pull the opposition. The middle-row players must remain in contact with the pack at all times. The ball must end up in the hands of the player in the back of the scrum. This player is called the "number eight" and he may pass or shuttle the ball to a teammate not involved in the scrum to get the attack going.
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