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Kyle McLean
Jul 4, 20243 min read
Time in Good Places “The Season” (5)
I had the pleasure of shadowing Wayne Smith for some time during the Women’s World Cup. He sent through the Black Ferns schedule a good...
Kyle McLean
Jun 12, 20242 min read
Next-Gen Coaches: Solving Our Shortage “The Season” (4)
For most of the season start with the U11 All Stripes, I had been coaching solo, which can be tough and somewhat lonely. I've always...
Kyle McLean
Jun 4, 20243 min read
Coaching a 1-3-3-1 ‘Shape’ To Kids? "The Season" (Part 3)
A noticeable trend among 15-a-side rugby coaches is an obsession with coaching a 1-3-3-1 formation / shape. It feels like ‘shape’ has...
Kyle McLean
May 21, 20242 min read
The Season (2): Rethinking Training – Too Much or Not Enough?
What is an appropriate amount of team training sessions per week for a kids' rugby team? I’ve been battling with this question for the...
Kyle McLean
May 12, 20242 min read
"The Season" (1) -"Locking The Coffee Vendor Inside The Grounds"
Follow the All Stripes U11 Rugby season journey through the coach's eyes, as we share the highs, lows, and everything in between. Picture...
Kyle McLean
Nov 29, 20233 min read
7 Law Changes to Save Rugby
The game of rugby needs a serious tweak. With the TMO debate settling, it's time to confront the realities of the sport. The Rugby World...
Kyle McLean
Nov 2, 20233 min read
It’s Pointless, Pointing The Finger At Officials
Isn't it sad how, in the wake of the Rugby World Cup, most of our post-tournament conversations have revolved around the officiating? Now...
Kyle McLean
May 16, 20232 min read
Dealing With Score Blowouts
Dear New Zealand Rugby, World Rugby, and Anyone Who Will Listen! Competition and organizing committees have one simple goal - create an...
Kyle McLean
May 11, 20232 min read
Keep it REAL
Have you ever heard a coach say, “I’ve decided to coach this year, because I want kids to hate sport and quit at the end of the season....
Kyle McLean
Apr 26, 20232 min read
‘Team Runs’ Are A Waste Of Time
After the mandatory warm-up lap, 4 corners drill, passing waves and forwards / backs split, most rugby trainings will end with the...
Kyle McLean
Mar 22, 20232 min read
Purposeful Bumps
Have you had situations when you seem to be at the right place at the right time, when you randomly ‘bump’ into someone? You then get...
Kyle McLean
Dec 5, 20222 min read
Being Actively Present
“I never expect anything from the boys that I wouldn’t do myself. I go to all morning gym sessions” (Nigel Hotham, Hamilton Boys High...
Kyle McLean
Nov 29, 20221 min read
ABCDE Planning
Are you busy? Most people you talk to comment on how busy life is. But are we busy or a bit useless with your time? Often it is the...
Kyle McLean
Nov 21, 20222 min read
Coaching Outside Of Practice
Jeepers it can be hard helping individual players develop within a team sport. Balancing individual and whole team development can be a...
Kyle McLean
Nov 9, 20222 min read
Have The Black Ferns Saved Rugby?
“Our management are allowing us to fully express ourselves. And I guess that does mean that we are playing how we did when we were kids –...
Kyle McLean
Nov 1, 20221 min read
Circle The Critical Stuff
Following practices, you often hear coaches say “I needed more time.” “I needed more time for that drill.” “I needed more time for that...
Kyle McLean
Oct 27, 20221 min read
Who’s Leading My Day?
Are you really busy? Under the pump? Got no time for anything? Well, consider… what is the first thing you do when you arrive at work? Do...
Kyle McLean
Oct 20, 20221 min read
Hot Review v Cold Review
What’s the best way to check if you’re coaching any good? Not sure…. But there’s no doubt you’re a keen coach who is always looking for...
Kyle McLean
Oct 12, 20221 min read
The Smoko Break
Our parents' generation grew up with less clutter and external noise than we face now. There weren’t any mobile phones, email, or social...
Kyle McLean
Oct 5, 20222 min read
A Chicken And Egg Situation
Who do you recruit first? Players of Coaches? Sport Leaders from schools and clubs have a big task recruiting and retaining coaches. It...
Kyle McLean
Sep 28, 20221 min read
Collaborative Coaching Teams
If you are coaching with other coaches, are you all maximising the impact and involvement of the entire coaching group? Or are you guilty...
Kyle McLean
Sep 21, 20221 min read
It Gets Messed Up In Games
Q. Why do coaches use unopposed team runs? (Rugby context) 18 Year Old Girl Rugby Player: “I think they (coaches) just do it cause they...
Kyle McLean
Sep 8, 20221 min read
Helpful Feedback
“I’ve had a coach way back and he told me I need to put on 10kg. And I was like how am I supposed to do that? I was like 14. So give me...
Kyle McLean
Sep 6, 20221 min read
Build A Culture, Then Coach Us
“It's always good to build team culture and once you build team culture you can start working on getting your team better. If you get...
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