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! 👊⚽

Patrice Gheisar – HFX Wanderers FC – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis

HFX Wanderers never quite got going in 2022, after an early season injury to star player Joao Morelli left them without much in the way of adequate alternatives. Stephen Hart paid the price after four seasons in charge, with Patrice Gheisar entering the frame to start a new era at the Wanderers Grounds. The Wanderers took a bit of time to find their groove at the start of the season, but Gheisar's exciting principles of play always looked promising. Since a 2-0 loss to Atletico at the start of June, Halifax have won five of their last eight matches, pushing for a playoff spot alongside the league's top three teams.

Coaching Craft – Chapter 12 – Final Project

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Sport Psychology

Chapter twelve takes all of your learnings in the course and puts them together in a final project. For more coaching education visit our Coach Education – Centre for Learning.

Coaching Craft – Chapter 11 – Reducing Barriers in Coaching

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Sport Psychology

Chapter eleven is all about how to reduce barriers for your athletes and their families, and how to celebrate equity, diversity and inclusion in the environments you create. For more coaching education visit our Coach Education – Centre for Learning.

Coaching Craft – Chapter 10 – Coaching Individuals & Online

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Sport Psychology

Chapter ten is all about how to coach individuals, and how to utilize the power of online coaching. For more coaching education visit themastermindsite.com/coach.

Game of Numbers #23 – How USA unravelled Vietnam’s marking at the World Cup

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Women's Football

The United States were always set to have one of the most impressive performances of the opening round. But they impressed with their tactical nuances as much as their individual star power. Here is our first edition of Game of Numbers across the 2023 Women's World Cup, with how the States used positional rotations to unravel Vietnam's defense.

How Canada can beat Ireland – Women’s World Cup 2023 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Team Analysis, Women's Football

After a disappointing first match against Nigeria, Canada will be hoping to improve upon their performance against an intense Irish side, fully ready to do battle. Here is what Canada must keep in mind as they prepare for their second match of the 2023 Women's World Cup against Ireland.

Coaching Craft – Chapter 9 – Athlete Decision Making

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Sport Psychology

Chapter nine details how athlete's make decisions on the field, and the range of factors that go into harnessing optimal athlete decision making.

Why Levi Colwill is perfect for Chelsea

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League

In the last few years, Chelsea have given away several superstar centre-backs in the making. The likes of Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guéhi went for very little money, only to completely shine at new clubs and prove their worth elsewhere. This season has to be the one where Chelsea stop the nonsense. They have to keep hold of their young, talented centre-making superstars in the making. They have to play Levi Colwill and make him an essential part of their plans. Here is why the former Brighton and Huddersfield loanee should be one of the first-choice centre-backs for the Blues this campaign.