Category: Masterclasses

How I optimize video analysis for professional players

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Masterclasses, Player Analysis

I'll tell you right off the top, nothing I say here will be groundbreaking. This article is meant to show you how simple video analysis can be, even at the high-end level of sport. Yes, you have to know the game. Yes, you should know how to positively promote other people. It even helps to know how to game-ify conversations in order to make them more intriguing. But ultimately, you can easily follow my steps here for conducting optimal video analysis for professional players. Steal it. Take it with you. It's yours. Here is my process for creating actionable insights for pros (or semi-pro players) to take back into their own environments.

Enzo Maresca – Leicester City – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Team Analysis

It has been a season to remember for Leicester City inside the Championship. They've been one of the league's all-time top sides, and look fully prepared to hit the mark if they can keep hold of their star power leading into next season. Enzo Maresca and his team have done a brilliant job in assembling this squad, reinventing roles, and achieving buy-in from the players, and the same criteria will need to be met ahead of 2024-25.

Why centre-backs are becoming fullbacks: The tactical trend that defined 2023

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Fullback, Masterclasses, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

It might be wrong to credit this tactical approach to Pep Guardiola. After all, the origin story to the 'fullback' is because the defender was fully back. However, in operating with a centre-back that steps up into midfield, Guardiola also created a construction within his team that regularly positioned centre-backs out wide. From then on, this approach has only become more popular. It's been the top tactical trend of 2023, and often one that's allowed the best teams in the world to thrive.

Coaching Newsletter #4 – Essential traits of a successful coach, mentor or leader

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

Truth be told, there are millions of checklist items that help to form a successful coach, mentor, or leader. But at the bare bones of it all, successful leadership ultimately comes down to a focus on social relationships.

Game of Numbers #36 – Role Changes for Dejan Kulusevski & Konrad Laimer

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Coach Education, Fullback, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Wing-Back, Winger

One thing is for certain. Spurs have not been the same since injury to James Maddison. Spurs were flying high with no signs of slowing down at the start of the season. But injuries across the squad have since stunted their progress and made for a more difficult second half of the first half to this campaign. Micky van de Ven's been a miss at the back, but Maddison's creative influence has been that missing puzzle piece that's made for a lack of a finishing touch to Tottenham's endeavours. Perhaps not anymore, with Dejan Kulusevski showcasing his potential as a 'Creative Ten'. Here is Game of Numbers #36 - featuring role changes for Konrad Laimer and Dejan Kulusevski.

Mauricio Pochettino – Chelsea – Tactical Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis

Despite all the hype surrounding Mauricio Pochettino's arrival at Stamford Bridge and a host of new young prospects to excite the fanbase, Chelsea have more or less continued where they left off last season. That is, providing an underwhelming start to the 2023-24 campaign, currently sitting in 12th place. With that, we analyze Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea, and suggest where they need to improve in order to get back into the race for European football next season.

Game of Numbers #35 – Anthony Gordon’s embodiment of the Newcastle way

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Winger

Newcastle United have been defined in the Eddie Howe era by energy and intensity, including an all-out press, and fervid counter attacking immediately upon regaining possession. Anthony Gordon perfectly embodies the Newcastle way under Eddie Howe, and has been one of the surprise stars of the 2023-24 season. Many scoffed at Chelsea's interest in the former Everton youngster at the start of last season, particularly the price tag bestowed upon him. But Gordon is proving to be a priceless acquisition for the Magpies this season, bringing his tireless tenacity to the table every game. Here is Game of Numbers #35.