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! 👊⚽

Game of Numbers #38 – Alejandro Garnacho’s intensity & awareness

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League

It's amazing to think that Alejandro Garnacho is only 19 years of age. Sometimes, you can see the rawness in his game. The facets that still need to be carefully developed. But as he ages, let's hope he never loses his tenacity. His hunger for more. His appetite to win at all costs, even when no one else is pulling their weight. He might not have the soaring high stats to back this up, but I truly believe Alejandro Garnacho is one of the players of this season in the Premier League. That's promising for United, who so desperately need something to cling onto for the future. Here is Game of Numbers #38, including what makes Alejandro Garnacho one of the best young players in the Prem.

How I created a football tactics empire

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses

In 2016, I started TheMastermindSite.com as a passion project, writing about whatever interested me at the time. Five hundred articles and five years of coaching experience later, I had created one of the biggest platforms in the tactics/analysis space, certainly by a sole proprietor. Now going on 1,200 articles, I deep-dive into how I created one of the most popular platforms in the football tactics, analysis and coaching space.

Coaching Newsletter #7 – The case for conserving energy – a lesson from Lionel Messi

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Subscriber Exclusives

Next time you get the urge to act without thinking, and you have time to think things through, stay patient. Take in as much information as you can. Walk. Observe. Then make every moment count once you have all the information. Save your energy for what is truly important. You'll enjoy a longer-lasting career that way, and live a more meaningful life.

Coaching Newsletter #6 – Why I quit sports before the age of thirteen

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Subscriber Exclusives

I quit hockey and basketball before the age of 13. 70% of children in North America do the same. Yet still, coaches, "leaders", and even parents make the same mistakes over and over. They create an environment that de-emphasizes fun and fulfillment. They emphasize all the wrong things instead.

Why the quality of the Canadian Premier League deserves more respect

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League

The Canadian Premier League is not a giant leap away from the MLS, or many of the clubs abroad. Many of the examples of MLS clubs facing off against CPL giants has resulted in losses for the CPL clubs. But the gap has never been that far away. inancially, I recognize the difficulty of choosing the Canadian Premier League as the path for the future. But for outside audiences, our league deserves more respect. The quality is already far beyond what most would have imagined at this point, and not all that far away from the MLS.

Game of Numbers #37 – Forge FC’s use of centre-backs in midfield like Manchester City

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses

For the unfamiliar, Forge FC are the Manchester City of the Canadian Premier League. They play a possession-based 4-3-3, stacked with ball-savvy savants, and a culture that embodies winning. The Canadian Premier League's been around since 2019 now. Forge have won the Playoffs in four of the five seasons, and lost the final in the one other at the hands of players they recruited to their team immediately after.

Coaching Newsletter #5 – The best way to increase athlete engagement

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Subscriber Exclusives

If you are going to take anything away from reading this article, I want it to be this: Learn more about your participants. Learn more about the people around you. Learn more about what they like, what makes them tick, and where they want to go.

Why it’s okay for your vision to evolve from initial intentions

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses

Many of my best ideas have come on the run. The best ideas I've had for stories, scripts, and even grand-scale projects have all come in the midst of a 5:00/km pace, strolling through the streets of Ontario. Starting a football website was a thought that frequently entered my mind throughout my teenage years. Sometime in May 2016, trotting around Western University, the thought regenerated in my mind. Only this time, it was more profound. I should start that thing for real.