Tag: Sport Psychology

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.

Modern-day coaching methodologies and the power of positive psychology

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

The days of yelling at players for not making it to first base are over! Or at least, they should be. Coaching has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. There is a new-wave of coaches that understand how they would want to be communicated to as athletes, and bring that to the forefront when they work with players of their own.

How athletes can improve their scanning and perceptions of BOTS

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.

Understanding BOTS & how to scan for quicker, correct decisions

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

Scanning goes far beyond what must coaches will shout out: "check your shoulder!". It needs to encompass a constant process of neck and eye movement, assessing ball, opposition, teammates and space.

Understanding the five corner model for player development & performance

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

As coaches, we must recognize that players have an array of qualities that make them unique on the pitch. We must also recognize that each of these unique pillars need to be paid attention to with dedicated attention and care.

Game of Numbers #15 – Jordan Pickford’s positioning masterclass

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Goalkeeper, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Player Education

Sometimes criticized across his Everton career, Jordan Pickford has enjoyed a formidable past couple of seasons for both club and country. The Toffees might be in serious threat of relegation this season and very well might have gone down last campaign if it had not been for their remarkable keeper. Despite the club's poor form, there's even a genuine argument for Pickford to be the goalkeeper of the season thus far. That argument came to life all the more in Everton's recent match against Manchester United, where Pickford was one of the standout players on the pitch despite his side being completely outclassed. Here are the finer details behind Pickford's stunning nine-save display against the Red Devils.

Personal development to become the best coach you can be

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

You cannot create a positive culture for your athletes if you cannot create a positive mindset for yourself. They will see right through you. They won't buy into what you're putting down. They won't trust that your coaching will lead them to success.

Football is more about psychology than tactics

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Sport Psychology

This is not a headline that you would expect to see from a website so devotedly focused on tactics and analysis. But as complex and debatable as this may sound, football is more about psychology than tactics. The best coaches are not always the best tacticians. But the best coaches are always the best motivators. The likes of John Herdman, Emma Hayes, Jose Mourinho and even Jurgen Klopp, rarely ever speak about tactics when expatiating about the game. Instead, they pontificate about the psychology of their teams and players, and their attempts to get the best out of their mentality.