Why Fun is an Underrated Aspect of Leadership

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching

Leadership, a word comprising many characteristics and traits, is likely one of the broadest words in the English language. People have been studying the concept of leadership for some time and it would be hard to come up with a definitive definition of what leadership truly is. What the word means to each individual may differ and include varying aspects of teamwork, culture, management, communication, motivation, guidance, authority, control, etc. Recently I have been thinking about leadership characteristics more and more in my everyday life, constantly reflecting as to how I can be better within my professional role as a Technical Leader of a soccer club. In my reflections, I have come to the realization that just about everything, every aspect of being a good leader, centers around inspiring others to have fun. Simultaneously, I think this has likely been under-appreciated in the research and literature surrounding the concept of leadership, in favour of other buzzwords like "guidance", "influence" and "power" that are also too broad. Here is why fun is so important to leadership, and likely an underrated aspect when considering what makes someone a "good leader."

Playing Out From The Back – Session Plan & Coaching Points (2020 Edition)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, World Football

Playing out from the back is one of the most important elements of the modern game. Not only is it better for development than kicking it long, it is also easier and allows a team fewer risks at losing the ball. As a result, coaches of any age group should be looking to teach players young and old the necessary steps of playing out from the back. In order to help guide these coaches, we introduce a brand new session all about playing out from the back, for youth teams of any age.

Carlo Ancelotti – Everton – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Premier League, World Football

After David Moyes left Everton for Manchester United in 2013, the Toffees haven't been the same. They had a decent three years with Roberto Martinez until 2016, and perhaps their biggest mistake was letting the Spanish manager go. Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce and Marco Silva all failed to make an impact at Everton and finally the board said enough was enough and splashed the cash for one of the biggest names in the business - Carlo Ancelotti. Ever since, the men in blue have been flying high in the Premier League, playing fantastic football along the way. This season, Ancelotti's side have started better than any other Premier League team and as things stand, sit at the top of the table with three wins from three. With fantastic new signings in James Rodriguez, Allan, Abdoulaye Doucore, and the rising form of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton fans have plenty to be excited about this campaign. Here is a Tactical Analysis of Carlo Ancelotti's Everton so far in 2020-21

Why Handball is Ruining the Game

by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

The handball rule in football has long been one of the most debated rules in the increasingly less beautiful game. The rule has been broken for decades, and each year attempts to fix the law only seem to make it more dubious. This year in the Premier League (2020-21), it seems as though the law has changed to enforce a policy in which any time the ball strikes the arm, and the arm is away from the body at all, it's going to be called as a handball. Unfortunately, this is the dumbest thing they could have done to try and solve the handball mysteries of seasons past, and has no regard whatsoever for the biomechanics of how footballers move on the pitch. Here are a few reasons why the law needs to change for good and why handball is currently ruining the game for everyone.

Roy Hodgson – Crystal Palace – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Managers, Premier League, World Football

Although far from the flashiest team in the Premier League, Roy Hodgson has had Crystal Palace working like a machine these past few years and has made them into one of the most organized sides across Europe. The systematic way that they play is actually quite simple and although taxing and demanding of the players, it is not overly elaborate. Instead of tactical geniuses and midfield maestros, every single player is an absolute workhorse and understands the role that they play in the team to a tee. This has led to Crystal Palace's success under Roy Hodgson and now in 2020-21, they've won their first two opening Premier League games for the first time in their history. We'd be silly to get carried away and think that they are destined for European football this season, but the Eagles are certainly worth examining for their unique approach to life in the Premier League. Here is a Tactical Analysis all about Roy Hodgson's resilient Crystal Palace.

Pressing From The Front – Session Plan & Key Coaching Points

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching

Pressing from the front is one of the most important elements of the modern game. As opposed to a low-block and allowing the opposition time and space to play out from the back, almost every professional team in existence presses high up the pitch, vigorously and rigorously in an attempt to win the ball back and go on the attack right away, closer to the opposition’s goal. As a result, coaches of any age group should be looking to teach players young and old the necessary steps to win the ball back high up the field through putting pressure on their opposition. In order to help guide these coaches, we examine some of the most basic elements of pressing from the front through a session plan all about this essential topic.

Coaching 9v9 Soccer – Ebook (1st Ed.)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching

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.

Best Formations for 9v9 (Podcast Episode)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Podcast, World Football

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 audio podcast will be all about the Best Formations for 9v9, as modeled after our article Best Formations for 9v9.