Subscriber Exclusives – TheMastermindSite

My 4-step process for making teams better

November 6, 2026November 6, 2026 by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Subscriber Exclusives, Team Analysis

As a coach, I always endeavoured to make my players better. If I could improve my players, I would improve the entire team. But even teams with great technical and physical qualities will still falter if the tactics aren't right. That's why you'll often see teams with even 70-80% of the possession still lose football matches. They had all the better players, but they didn't have the better way of winning the match. So when something's not clicking quite right or you need to solve a tactical problem, I like to follow a 4-step process.

Jobe Bellingham – stepping out of his brother’s shadow

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, German Bundesliga, Player Analysis, Subscriber Exclusives

2026 has been the year that the world has finally come to the acceptance of something Dortmund fans will have known since Jude Bellingham was 17-years-old. That he is one of the best players in the world. Not just one of the best midfielders. One of the very best, most impactful players. His brother, born two years later, has had to watch all of that in his shadow. But this season, Jobe's evolved his game. He's finally stepping out of his brother's shadow, and making his own mark as one of BVB's most important stars. His performance against Bayern Munich in the derby this past weekend was immaculate, and demonstrated that Jobe, too, might just become a world beater.

How to coach pressing & the five most common pressing triggers

October 20, 2026October 20, 2026 by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Subscriber Exclusives

Pressing was all the rage from the late 2010's to the early 2020's. Some of the most successful teams across that period played a "high-pressing" game, including Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. But today, press and possess styles of play have started to die out. Brighton have been the best example of a team deploying a press and possess system in the Premier League this season. But they are one of only a few. For those that might be working in coaching environments or just studying how a team like Brighton become so successful at such an intense approach, here are some of the most important details.

Matheus Cunha is crazy, but that’s part of his charm

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker, Subscriber Exclusives, Winger

Always playing on the edge, getting in the face of the opponents, and dancing his way through celebrations, Cunha is the fighting spirit that can bring United out of a slump.

Sports Analysis for Journalism & Content Creation – Ebook

March 9, 2026March 25, 2026 by Rhys Desmond, posted in Subscriber Exclusives

I’m sure you’re already familiar with the world of sports media and journalism. You’ve probably grown up watching sports channels, seen Instagram reels, and witnessed the new wave of media begin to replace a lot of the traditional outlets. With that, I want you to think of a typical person that you’ve seen in sports media. I want you to think about how they talk, how they report, how they typically go about their time in front of the screen. Now I want you to throw all of that away.

Best Formations for 9v9 – Ebook

April 20, 2025April 20, 2025 by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Most Recent, Subscriber Exclusives

9v9 is one of the most exciting stages in the development of young players and can often be the first time they are truly able to understand positioning, formations and how to play to the strengths of their teammates. This Ebook gives coaches an opportunity to learn all the in's and out's of coaching 9v9, including tactics, formations, and game management.

Coaching Newsletter #8 – Being the best is overrated

September 9, 2024 by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Subscriber Exclusives

Let me tell you a secret. I’ve worked with professional athletes across a few different sports now. (That's not the secret). There’s something that’s surprised me, fascinated me, and inspired me all at the same time. One singular thing. One singular thing that they all share in common. Every single one of them. They all … Continue reading Coaching Newsletter #8 – Being the best is overrated