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! 👊⚽

Attention to detail when coaching at the elite level

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

While coaching ideologies can generally apply across a myriad of ages and abilities, there are a few distinct differences. This includes: a greater attention to detail at the high-performance level; a greater attention to position-specific training; and more complexity when adapting activities to add challenge/intensity. I break this down in Coaching Craft – Newsletter #2 – Coaching high-performance athletes. Here is a preview of how you can focus on the finer details in high-performance environments.

Coaching Craft – Newsletter #2 – Coaching high-performance athletes

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

While coaching ideologies can generally apply across a myriad of ages and abilities, there are a few distinct differences. This includes: A greater attention to detail at the high-performance level. A greater attention to position-specific training. More complexity when adapting activities to add challenge/intensity.

Game of Numbers #29 – Scoring goals is easy! – Ollie Watkins & Lautaro Martinez

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Serie A, Striker

Scoring goals is not always as easy as it looks! The best strikers in the world make it look oh so simple, but like the Wizards of Waverly Place theme song, it's not what it seems. Yet some players seem to find their way out of any situation. After this weekend's round of fixtures, I analyze two of those players who make scoring look oh so easy - Ollie Watkins and Lautaro Martinez. Here is Game of Numbers #29, featuring a pair who notched seven goals between them at the weekend.

Marco Rose – RB Leipzig – Tactical Analysis (2023-24)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis

RB Leipzig might not go toe-to-toe with Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title this season, but they have every chance of contending for second place alongside the likes of Dortmund and Leverkusen. Their recruitment over the summer has proven to be spot on, with the central compactions across the pitch aiding their approach of quick attacking transitions and high-pressing from the front. Conceding just 4 goals in 5 matches, Leipzig have been much more than just a brilliant side to watch in attack, but a much improved side in defense to start the campaign.

Game of Numbers #28 – The magic touch of fullbacks with Kieran Trippier & Joao Cancelo

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

It's been well established over the past decade that fullbacks have grown in prominence and importance in the final third. Just about every team will have their fullbacks involved as active members of the attack, if not one playing high up the pitch as another stays more reserved. Two of the leading figures over the past five-ten years have been Kieran Trippier and Joao Cancelo, each of whom had excellent performances this past weekend. Here is the magic touch of fullbacks as part of Game of Numbers #28, featuring Kieran Trippier and Joao Cancelo.

Coaching Craft – Newsletter #1 – Building Logical Session Flow & Rewards

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

Today I returned to the classroom for my Coaching & Leadership course for eighty+ undergraduate students. For the first class of the new semester, I facilitated a European Handball session on 'switching play', which is a session plan I've done plenty of times in the soccer world. Here were some of the key reflections:

Coaching Newsletter: How to use Wyscout for successful video analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

Wyscout has become the go-to place for video analysis, scouting & recruitment, and all of the analysis needs for pro clubs and analysts like myself! In this video, I'm going to teach you exactly how I use the platform for my analyses and the work I do for clubs.

Tommy Wheeldon Jr. – Cavalry FC – Tactical Analysis

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

Cavalry FC have been the most exciting team to watch in 2023, following up from a wonderful winter of off-season recruitment. The Cavs remain at the top of the table as the 2023 season comes to a close, and after their win against HFX this week, are the first team to claim a spot in the 2023 Playoffs. Here is our tactical analysis of Tommy Wheeldon Jr.'s Cavalry FC in 2023.