I quit hockey and basketball before the age of 13. 70% of children in North America do the same. Yet still, coaches, "leaders", and even parents make the same mistakes over and over. They create an environment that de-emphasizes fun and fulfillment. They emphasize all the wrong things instead.
Chaos vs. Control: A Collision of Principles
Some like to approach games in a disciplined structure, intentionally and meticulously dictating games to their own tempo. Others opt for a more emotionally-charged philosophy, reliant on the belief, energy and willpower of their trusted eleven on the field.
Why the quality of the Canadian Premier League deserves more respect
The Canadian Premier League is not a giant leap away from the MLS, or many of the clubs abroad. Many of the examples of MLS clubs facing off against CPL giants has resulted in losses for the CPL clubs. But the gap has never been that far away. inancially, I recognize the difficulty of choosing the Canadian Premier League as the path for the future. But for outside audiences, our league deserves more respect. The quality is already far beyond what most would have imagined at this point, and not all that far away from the MLS.
Game of Numbers #37 – Forge FC’s use of centre-backs in midfield like Manchester City
For the unfamiliar, Forge FC are the Manchester City of the Canadian Premier League. They play a possession-based 4-3-3, stacked with ball-savvy savants, and a culture that embodies winning. The Canadian Premier League's been around since 2019 now. Forge have won the Playoffs in four of the five seasons, and lost the final in the one other at the hands of players they recruited to their team immediately after.
Coaching Newsletter #5 – The best way to increase athlete engagement
If you are going to take anything away from reading this article, I want it to be this: Learn more about your participants. Learn more about the people around you. Learn more about what they like, what makes them tick, and where they want to go.
Why it’s okay for your vision to evolve from initial intentions
Many of my best ideas have come on the run. The best ideas I've had for stories, scripts, and even grand-scale projects have all come in the midst of a 5:00/km pace, strolling through the streets of Ontario. Starting a football website was a thought that frequently entered my mind throughout my teenage years. Sometime in May 2016, trotting around Western University, the thought regenerated in my mind. Only this time, it was more profound. I should start that thing for real.
How I optimize video analysis for professional players
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.
