I'm an American college senior, and I've been playing hooker for years. I've always hooked with my left on our scrums with a good deal of success, but this season I've been told in a few training sessions (and read online) that I should be using my right foot. I haven't been able to find any actual justification as to WHY the right foot is more effective. It seems that it is much more advantageous to have my foot closer to the point where the ball is put in, what is the benefit of using my right foot?I'm an American college senior, and I've been playing hooker for years. I've always hooked with my left on our scrums with a good deal of success, but this season I've been told in a few training sessions (and read online) that I should be using my right foot. I haven't been able to find any actual justification as to WHY the right foot is more effective. It seems that it is much more advantageous to have my foot closer to the point where the ball is put in, what is the benefit of using my right foot?

People use their right because it's easier. If you get a good put in, you shouldn't have to "hook" the ball, with your right you can just stirike with your foot , and angle it so the ball hits and rolls backward. If it doesn't only then do you have actually sweep it back. With your right foot you can also choose which tunnel to send the ball through, depending which move your team wants, but that might be more advanced.

I would say do what works for you. I personally always used my left, like you say, it's closer and means you get a shot at the ball before their hooker does. Not sure what they're on about mate. Maybe have a read of this though, there is some good stuff there..