The first half of the 2018-19 campaign was the most fun I've ever had watching Borussia Dortmund. The Black and Yellows were flying high in the Bundesliga and went undefeated until the end of December, while only losing 1 Champions League game in that time. New signings Paco Alcacer, Thomas Delaney, Axel Witsel and Achraf … Continue reading Borussia Dortmund Season In Review
Author: Rhys Desmond
Across the past decade, I have worked with thousands of players and coaches across multiple sports and disciplines. I recognize the value of diving deeper beyond the first glance, and uncovering the deeper-lying ways to enhance performance. I make a commitment toward positive reinforcement, research-backed insights, and making the experience fun for those that work with me. If you’re interested in learning more about my site or experiencing my coaching, feel free to reach out! 👊⚽
Is U13 Too Early For 11v11?
When Long-Term-Player-Development (LTPD) was introduced to soccer in Canada in 2008, one of its many goals was to shorten field sizes, game times and players on the field in accordance with what would be most beneficial for the development of children. Now, eleven years on from all the changes which have widely been accepted and … Continue reading Is U13 Too Early For 11v11?
4 Reasons Your Practice Session Isn’t Working
Sometimes coaches spend hours perfecting session plans, making sure the activities are as beneficial and intricate as they can be, only to have the practice completely fall apart. This article will discuss 4 common reasons why your practice might not be working and how to fix it.
Best Formations for 8v8
Before the USSF switched to 9-a-side for U11 & U12, 8-a-side was the common standard. Today, 8v8 is not a common playing format. However, it is useful to discuss from a 9v9 standpoint, to elucidate what formations might be useful when a team has to play short. Here are the best formations for 8v8, a … Continue reading Best Formations for 8v8
Why a Women’s Canadian Premier League Should be the Next Step for Canada Soccer
This past weekend, the newly formed Canadian Premier League, Canada's first ever top-flight league, got underway. It was a monumental occasion for soccer in Canada, and kicked off the path to better times for our Men's National Team. One of the major hopes behind the Canadian Premier League was that it would present young Canadian … Continue reading Why a Women’s Canadian Premier League Should be the Next Step for Canada Soccer
CANPL Inaugural Match – Forge FC 1-1 York 9 – Match Recap & Analysis
The Canadian Premier League has finally kicked off with the first match between Forge FC and York 9. The game was explosive, end-to-end and very intriguing as both Smyrniotis and Brennan did everything they could to try and get the win. Here is our match recap and analysis for Forge FC's 1-1 tie with York … Continue reading CANPL Inaugural Match – Forge FC 1-1 York 9 – Match Recap & Analysis
Should Major League Soccer adopt a promotion-relegation system?
On April 18, 2019, Major League Soccer announced a strategic plan to expand to 30 teams by 2021. MLS currently comprises 24 teams - 3 in Canada, and the rest in the United States. Expanding to 30 teams would make it the biggest professional league in world football in terms of number of clubs and players. With 4 teams arriving to the league in the past 3 years and 4 more on their way by 2021, things are really becoming a bit crazy in the North American soccer scene. Ultimately, the decision from an economic standpoint is a wise one for the league. More clubs = more money, greater outreach and greater attention. But it would throw certain things into chaos, such as scheduling, fairness of scheduling, and the disparities in between the caliber of teams and players.
How the Best Managers in the World Used Formations to Gain an Advantage
At the end of the day, a team can win playing any formation and there isn't necessarily any formation that is superior to another. However, some of the best teams in the modern era have perfected certain systems and styles of play, guided by the formation they use. Here is an examination of some of the best teams in the world and how their formation has led to their success.
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