Entries by Ian King

The Way of the Physical Preparation Coach

The following is an abridged version of The Way of the Physical Preparation Coach. Introduction The content is written for those who seek a higher level of mastery of my approach to physical preparation. Several concepts deserve discussion at this point. I seek not to teach you what to think, but how to think. Therefore, […]

Rugby’s Holy Grail – Beating the All Blacks

New Zealand is the most successful national team in the international history of rugby.[1]  Every national team seeks to test themselves against the Gold Standard of world rugby, the New Zealand national rugby union team known as the All Blacks. And Australia is no different. In fact, as they are such close neighbors, the rivalry […]

The western world’s blind spot to global physical preparation publications

From their commencement in 1978 the American National Strength Coaches Association (NSCA, later changed to National Strength & Conditioning Association) produced very helpful and welcome articles on physical training (mainly strength training). However, one thing stood out at least during the period up to 2000 – referencing of non-US writers was sparse to say the […]

Huddle #58 – Chat with Stunt Actor Heather Burridge

Ten years ago almost to the day a young athlete by the name of Heather Burridge was brought to see me by her parents, seeking guidance to overcome a chronic injury.  At that time Heather was pursuing throws in track & field and netball. During the next few years working with Heather, I noticed this […]

The English rose and a coaching challenge

On the 11th March 2023 in his first year and 4th game as head coach of the English national men’s rugby union team, Stephen Borthwick set a record. But not the kind of record anyone would want or celebrate. At the spiritual home of English rugby, Twickenham, his team was beaten 10 – 53 by […]

What’s missing? The repetitive boom and bust cycle of fitness business models

It looks like the Australian originated, global fitness franchise F45 is getting very wobbly at the business end. Can’t say I’m surprised, but it’s disappointing. Disappointing for those who have chosen to  put their careers, businesses, and money into this path. Some background to boom and bust. The fledging fitness industry was very young in […]

Understanding Plyometrics – A guide for athletes & coaches

Introduction The popularity of the training method commonly known as ‘plyometric training’ is evident in nearly all sports, and at all levels of competition today.  We have travelled from a time during the seventies and early eighties of limited awareness and open scepticism, to a time during the late eighties and early nineties where athletes […]

Huddle #57 – 10 Things about the Get Buffed!™ Series

I was training athletes to run, swim, cycle, row, ski, skate and so on, faster! And we achieved these goals but at the same time a strange thing was happening. They were getting buffed! Not in a Mr Universe way, but in a way that got the attention of lots of people. And they were […]

The origin and intent of Speed of Movement (SOM) and Time Under Tension (TUT)

Introduction I began my professional journey training athletes in 1980, and in the 1980s was also personally involved in competitive strength sports.  At that time there were a number of burning questions I had about training including questions about optimal speed of movement in strength exercises I was not satisfied conducting the speed of movement […]

Huddle #56 – Chat with KSI Coach Lee ‘Doc’ Docherty

Lee ‘Doc’ Docherty is a KSI Coach currently studying Level 2 who has been involved in the game of soccer his whole life, playing and coaching at various levels throughout the world. Upon leaving the British Army, Doc has dedicated himself to coaching soccer players of all ages, helping players reach their fullest potential both […]