Tag: Quick Reactions

How I assess ‘player mentality’ through video and data analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Recruitment & Scouting

Many facets of the beautiful game simply cannot be quantified in many statistical data models. For any recruitment scenario, you need to be sure that the player not only has the technical, physical and tactical quality to excel in a new environment, but the right psychological frame and social aptitude. It is therefore imperative that clubs sit down to identify what player traits, mentalities, and personality types they want to have in their dressing rooms, and then actively use that as a model for hand-picking players when scouting.

How athletes can improve their scanning and perceptions of BOTS

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Education, Sport Psychology

The number one aspect that separates elite players from amateur is the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Elite athletes are better able to process information, and frequently take in more information when scanning their surroundings, even if scanning for shorter periods of time. But scanning, information processing and attention to detail are all skills that can be worked upon by athletes at any level, in any sport.

Session Plan – Spatial Awareness & Switching Play

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Sport Psychology

Recently I have heard much in the way of what I would classify as "misinformation" regarding the readiness of youth players to learn tactical concepts like switching play. Switching play as a tactical concept ultimately comes down to recognizing space and making decisions based on that spatial awareness. Switching play doesn't mean crossing a long-ball forty/fifty yards from one side of the field to the other. It is about recognizing the space to see the opportunity of when space is condensed, versus when space is available and what to do in both of those situations. It is therefore an essential concept that can be taught to players of just about any age. Here is a session plan and key coaching points to match, all about spatial awareness and switching play!

Small Group Training Session – Spatial Awareness & Scanning

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Sport Psychology

With all the restrictions going on in the world of COVID-19 right now, small group training sessions are becoming more and more common-place, as coaches are forced to split their groups into smaller numbers. Here is a session plan all about scanning & spatial awareness for 4 players.