Tag: Subscriber Exclusives

My 4-step process for making teams better

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Subscriber Exclusives, Team Analysis

As a coach, I always endeavoured to make my players better. If I could improve my players, I would improve the entire team. But even teams with great technical and physical qualities will still falter if the tactics aren't right. That's why you'll often see teams with even 70-80% of the possession still lose football matches. They had all the better players, but they didn't have the better way of winning the match. So when something's not clicking quite right or you need to solve a tactical problem, I like to follow a 4-step process.

Kai Havertz – the striker that has finally become a striker

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker

This season, even despite only scoring 3 goals in his 9 matches, has arguably been the German's best yet. Here is why Kai Havertz continues to thrive this season, and why he's keeping Viktor Gyökeres out of the team.

How to coach pressing & the five most common pressing triggers

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Subscriber Exclusives

Pressing was all the rage from the late 2010's to the early 2020's. Some of the most successful teams across that period played a "high-pressing" game, including Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. But today, press and possess styles of play have started to die out. Brighton have been the best example of a team deploying a press and possess system in the Premier League this season. But they are one of only a few. For those that might be working in coaching environments or just studying how a team like Brighton become so successful at such an intense approach, here are some of the most important details.

Matheus Cunha is crazy, but that’s part of his charm

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker, Subscriber Exclusives, Winger

Always playing on the edge, getting in the face of the opponents, and dancing his way through celebrations, Cunha is the fighting spirit that can bring United out of a slump.

Sports Analysis for Journalism & Content Creation – Ebook

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Subscriber Exclusives

I’m sure you’re already familiar with the world of sports media and journalism. You’ve probably grown up watching sports channels, seen Instagram reels, and witnessed the new wave of media begin to replace a lot of the traditional outlets. With that, I want you to think of a typical person that you’ve seen in sports media. I want you to think about how they talk, how they report, how they typically go about their time in front of the screen. Now I want you to throw all of that away.

Coaching Newsletter #8 – Being the best is overrated

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Subscriber Exclusives

Let me tell you a secret. I’ve worked with professional athletes across a few different sports now. (That's not the secret). There’s something that’s surprised me, fascinated me, and inspired me all at the same time. One singular thing. One singular thing that they all share in common. Every single one of them. They all … Continue reading Coaching Newsletter #8 – Being the best is overrated

Coaching Newsletter #7 – The case for conserving energy – a lesson from Lionel Messi

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Subscriber Exclusives

Next time you get the urge to act without thinking, and you have time to think things through, stay patient. Take in as much information as you can. Walk. Observe. Then make every moment count once you have all the information. Save your energy for what is truly important. You'll enjoy a longer-lasting career that way, and live a more meaningful life.

Coaching Newsletter #6 – Why I quit sports before the age of thirteen

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Subscriber Exclusives

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.