Play with Your Brain – Travis Norsen Book Interview

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Education

That quote, from one of football's greatest ever players, is the opening statement by which Play with Your Brain: A Guide to Smarter Soccer for Players, Coaches and Parents, predicates itself upon. The book serves as a wonderful guide for anyone involved in the beautiful game to learn how players can become better, smarter soccer players. Author of the book Travis Norsen gives TheMastermindSite.com an exclusive interview about his thoughts on the book and what players, coaches and parents can learn from reading his guide. Be sure to check out the book on Amazon.

12 Skill Moves To Beat Defenders – Home Training Session

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Home Training, Player Education

Stuck inside with nothing to do? Not able to go out to the park and train? Fear not, because TheMastermindSite.com will be delivering several home training sessions over the next few weeks. The final session in this series comprises twelve skill moves to beat defenders. Coach Rhys will lead you through all twelve skill moves and the crucial steps to execute each one. Enjoy.

CONCACAF Best XI in 2021 – TMS Podcast

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, Premier League, The Mastermind Site Podcast

In the history of the World Cup, not a single CONCACAF nation has ever reached the final, let alone won the competition. We are just under five years away from a CONCACAF-led World Cup in 2026, with all of these nations developing long term plans to do their best damage when the time ultimately comes for the competition. So with the present state of the CONCACAF scene, Rhys and Sam create their CONCACAF best eleven's and debate over some of the best players currently playing the game right now from North America. Be sure to tell us who would make your best eleven, and vote for who has the better team at themastermindsite.com.

Liverpool’s Tactical Concerns (2020-21) – TMS Podcast

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, Premier League, The Mastermind Site Podcast

Much of the dialogue going into this weekend’s Liverpool-Manchester City match centered around the fixture as a potential title decider for Liverpool. The assumption was that if Liverpool lost, their hopes and dreams of winning the title would dash before their eyes. As it turns out, Liverpool didn’t just lose, but were badly beaten and bruised by a terrific Manchester City side. With all of their struggles this season, not just against City, we take an in-depth look at where Liverpool have gone wrong tactically and beyond. Guest: Russell Tho is a Liverpool and Barcelona fan and friend of the show. You can find him on Instagram @russelltho96. Host: Rhys Desmond is the creator and owner of TMS. He is lifelong lover and educator of the beautiful game. You can find him on Twitter @DesmondRhys.

Where Liverpool Have Gone Wrong This Season – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, World Football

Much of the dialogue going into this weekend's Liverpool-Manchester City match centered around the fixture as a potential title decider for Liverpool. The assumption was that if Liverpool lost, their hopes and dreams of winning the title would dash before their eyes. As it turns out, Liverpool didn't just lose, but were badly beaten and bruised by a terrific Manchester City side that absolutely terrorized the Reds. It was their third home loss of the season and fifth in total. So with all of their struggles this season, not just against Manchester City, we take an in-depth look at where Liverpool have gone wrong this season. Here is our latest Liverpool tactical analysis.

Skills Challenge – First Touch Spin

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Home Training

Can you complete this first touch spin and score? Here is a skills challenge that will get you to work on both your right foot and left foot first touch spin, and quick finishing.

Home Training Session – First Touch & Quick Finishing

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Home Training, Player Education

Stuck inside with nothing to do? Not able to go out to the park and train? Fear not, because TheMastermindSite.com will be delivering several home training sessions over the next few weeks. Session twelve focuses primarily on first touch and finishing quickly. Coach Rhys will lead you through a series of exercises around this fun topic, a skills challenge and a brutal fitness challenge to end off. Now, enjoy this session all about first touch and finishing.

Christian Streich – SC Freiburg – Tactical Analysis (2020-21 Edition)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga

In all the uncertainty over managing a football team these days, Christian Streich is one of the longest serving managers in Bundesliga history. The now 55-year old coach took over Freiburg in 2011 following a role as the team's assistant coach for four years, and remains the top man in charge to this day. Over the past weekend, Streich achieved one of his team's most formidable results ever, beating Borussia Dortmund for the very first time since he joined the club. Freiburg now sit 8th in the table, with the European places certainly within reach. Here is a Tactical Analysis of Christian Streich's SC Freiburg.