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In this episode, we discuss the telltale signs of amateurism in soccer, inspired by a recent professional game. We outline key indicators, such as a specific type of poor first touch and specific bad decisions that expose players as amateurs. We also emphasize the importance of high-quality training and maintaining focus to avoid these pitfalls. […] The post Ep 378: Five Technical/Tactical Key Indicators a Pro Player is “Amateur” appeared first on 3four3.

Unlocking Player Potential In this episode, we invite the founder of Grande Sports Training to discuss his journey in soccer and personal training. Miguel shares insights on his training methods, the importance of technique and mentality, and the challenges of navigating the American soccer ecosystem. We also touch on his experiences with high-level players and […] The post Ep 377: Personal Training in American Soccer: A Conversation with Miguel of Grande Sports Training appeared first on 3four3.

Elevating American Soccer: Mastering ‘Losing Your Man’ and More In this episode, we focus on the concept of ‘losing your man’ and how this technique differs from the traditional ‘get open’ mantra often heard in American recreational soccer circles. Learn how this skill is vital at every level of play, not just for wingers, but […] The post Ep 376: The Art of Losing Your Man – Identify it, Understand it, Train it, Execute it appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode, we dive into the evolution and importance of ‘building out of the back’ in American soccer. We examine its historical context in the U.S. and compare it to international practices. The discussion also highlights the influence of global talents like Lamine Yamal on the soccer world. Additionally, we provide insights on training […] The post Ep 375: Building Out of the Back in America – Insights, Challenges, and Lamine Yamal appeared first on 3four3.

Getting Back to Basics: Rondos and Receiving Across the Body In this episode, we dive into the importance of training rondos and the fundamental skill of receiving across the body in soccer. We address the misconceptions about these training methods and explain why they are crucial for developing players at all levels. We also share […] The post Ep 374: Why Rondos are a NON-NEGOTIABLE for Proper Development appeared first on 3four3.

Inside SoccerViza with Joe: Club Ownership Challenges and Success Stories In this episode, we have a special guest, Joe Funicello, the founder of SoccerViza and owner of a third division professional Romanian club. Joe shares his journey from aspiring professional soccer player to club owner, discussing the challenges and rewards along the way. We delve […] The post Ep 373: European Club Owner, Joe Funicello, On a Multi-Decade Soccer Odyssey appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode, we dive into a Q&A session addressing various questions from the audience. We cover challenges like differentiating between recreational and professional player development, handling difficult conversations with parents about their children’s soccer involvement. The discussion also includes advice for new coaches on the importance of focusing on fundamental training activities, avoiding distractions […] The post Ep 372: Your Emails Answered – Q&A Episode appeared first on 3four3.

Join me and experienced coach Paul Spacey as we dive into the nuances of soccer training and development. We discuss how 80% of David Beckham’s training can be done unopposed, the importance of understanding opposed vs. unopposed training, and the role of repetition in player development. With insights from Paul’s extensive coaching background in Southern […] The post Ep 371: Insights Only Come with Experience – A Chat with Paul Spacey appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode, we dive into the pathway to professional soccer in the United States. This is crucial information for parents and coaches of youth players, even if they don’t believe their player will go pro. The pathway to pro shapes the entire soccer system, affecting everything from youth league battles to higher education decisions […] The post Ep 370: Navigating the Pathway to Pro Soccer in America appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode, we shift our focus to the defensive side of soccer, following a previous discussion about offense. We go into the nuances of training defenders, the importance of defense in comparison to offense, and practical defensive training exercises from the 3four3 coaching program. We emphasize the concept of ‘thinking defense while on offense,’ […] The post Ep 369: How to Best Think About Defending, Defenders, and How to Train it. appeared first on 3four3.

Breaking the Final Third Conundrum in Soccer In this episode, we discuss one of the most common challenges possession-based coaches face: dominating possession but struggling to score goals. We dive into various strategies to improve our finishing in the final third, including the importance of rehearsing attacking patterns, working on individual skills outside of team […] The post Ep 368: The MILLION DOLLAR Question – How to Solve Scoring Issues with Your Teams and Players appeared first on 3four3.

Debate on the Value of US Soccer Coaching Licenses with Rory O’Neill In this episode, we discuss the intricacies and controversies of soccer coaching licenses in the U.S. We go into our personal experiences, comparing U.S. and UEFA coaching licenses, and discuss the impact of licensing on both youth and professional coaching. We highlight the […] The post Ep 367: US Coaching Licenses – Another Credentialism Scam or Education? appeared first on 3four3.

Per usual, the mainstream narratives are all wrong. In this episode, we discuss US Men’s National Team’s lack of attendance and ultimate loss. We then jump into our first comments regarding USL’s promotion and relegation announcement. Is it truly pro/rel, or a gimmick? And how will this likely impact the MLS monopoly and US Soccer […] The post Ep 366: What a Week! The USMNT Loses Again, and USL Wins With Pro/Rel. appeared first on 3four3.

In this unique episode, we tackle toxic comments received across our various social media platforms. We respond to criticisms about U.S. soccer coaching licenses, player development, coaching strategies, and more. 00:00 Intro 04:40 1st Comment – Random Brazil Kid is Better any Player We’ve Developed 11:51 2nd Comment – Stereotype of American Soccer Knowledge 13:07 […] The post Ep 365: TOXIC Comments Episode! Your Anon Criticisms Answered appeared first on 3four3.

The episode is a discussion on game management principally in the youth game, focusing on pregame, in-game, halftime, and postgame strategies. The hosts recount specific instances from their experiences, particularly highlighting a match against FC Barcelona’s youth team. They emphasize the importance of structured training, professional conduct, and balancing instructional coaching with motivational support. Additional […] The post Ep 364: Insights into Game Management – Balancing Tactics, Team, and Individual Dynamics appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of captains in soccer teams, debating whether leadership qualities are innate or can be developed. We explore what makes a good captain, using real-life examples from both professional and youth soccer. The conversation later transitions to the political nature of sports, emphasizing how soccer serves as a vehicle […] The post Ep 363: Team Captains – Who and How Important Are They Really? appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode, we go into scouting and recruiting practices in American soccer, offering tips and insights from our 20 years of experience. We start by addressing the recent news about USL’s ambitions for Division 1 status and the potential implementation of promotion and relegation. We emphasize the significance of understanding these developments at the […] The post Ep 362: Insights into Youth Scouting and Recruiting, Plus is USL Doing Pro/Rel? appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode we discuss the intricacies of establishing a strong team culture in American youth soccer, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, accountability, and commitment from both coaches and players. The episode covers practical ways to handle star players and toxic parents, stressing the role of parents in supporting team dynamics. We again mention […] The post Ep 361: Crafting Team Culture – The Role of Coaches and Monkey Wrenches appeared first on 3four3.

Balancing Playing Time and Sideline Conduct in Youth Soccer In this episode, we dive into the contentious topic of equal playing time in youth soccer. We explore when playing time should be evenly distributed and under what conditions it should be earned, stressing the importance of a player’s age and competitive level. We also get […] The post Ep 360: Balancing the Bench – Equal Playing Time vs. Competitive Reality in Soccer appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode we go into the unspoken realities of the ‘pay to play’ system in American soccer. We explore its consequences at the youth and professional levels, while also debunking the common perception that it is the root problem in American soccer. The discussion also extends to the pressures faced by coaches, both from […] The post Ep 359: Unpacking Pay-to-Play And Playing Time – Myths, Realities You Are Not Told, and More appeared first on 3four3.

The Golden Rule of Soccer Development: Do Less, Not More In this episode, the focus revolves around the principle of ‘doing less, not more’ in soccer coaching. We emphasize that unlike common beliefs, effective team and player development doesn’t require an extensive range of activities but rather a focused and consistent approach. We discuss technical […] The post Ep 358: The Golden Rule to Player, Team, and Coach Development appeared first on 3four3.

Today, we are recapping the origin story of 3four3 itself. Usually, I avoid discussing our accomplishments, but after receiving an email from a coach on January 7th, suggesting that we share our history and the brainchild behind our pioneering training methodology, I decided to oblige. This episode explores the beginnings of 3four3, our reluctance to […] The post Ep 357: The Story of 3four3 – Challenging the Norms of American Soccer appeared first on 3four3.

From the unrealistic expectations placed on coaches, to the impact parents play in a child’s development, and the lack of promotion and relegation in American youth, the conversation covers a wide array of topics. The discussion further emphasizes the importance of setting actionable goals, the necessity of good coaching, and the cultural differences in soccer […] The post Ep 356: The Ultimate Guide for Parents – Navigating Youth Soccer Development appeared first on 3four3.

In the 3four3 podcast’s eighth masterclass lesson, the focus is on the importance of repetition in soccer development. Coaches, players, and parents are encouraged to understand that repetition involves not just continual practice, but the right kind of practice. Host Gary highlights that incorrect repetition can lead to bad habits, while proper repetition is key […] The post Ep 355: Repetition, The Unsung Hero of Soccer Excellence – Masterclass Lesson 8 appeared first on 3four3.

In this unique episode of the 3four3 podcast, we dive into a listener-focused Q&A session, addressing various comments and questions from our YouTube channel. We discuss differences between MLS, USL, and Liga MX products, the impact of playing up in age groups, the importance of structured and unstructured play, mentorship, and the realities of coaching […] The post Ep 354: Q&A Special – Answering Your Posts from The Youtube Channel appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode hosts Gary and Benny discuss the critical role of pickup soccer in player development, and the notable absence of this culture in suburban American soccer. They highlight the benefits of unstructured play, such as mixed-age interactions and increased touch frequency, and examine how its deficiency might contribute to the US’s struggles on […] The post Ep 353: A Huge Deficiency in the Suburban American Soccer Player - Masterclass Lesson 7 appeared first on 3four3.

The post Ep 352: Masterclass Lesson 6 - Understanding Soccer IQ appeared first on 3four3.

In this fifth masterclass session, the hosts delve into the overuse and misunderstanding of the term ‘elite’ in the context of American soccer. With Benny joining as co-host, they discuss what truly constitutes an elite soccer player by global standards, tackling the misuse of the term at both youth and professional levels. Highlighting issues from […] The post Ep 351: Masterclass Lesson 5 - What’s an Elite Player? appeared first on 3four3.

Today centers on Masterclass lesson number four, where we focus on “the ball and the wall.” As I've always said, the wall is the best teacher. Don't just take my word for it -- listen to the countless historical and current professional soccer players who swear by it. If you take the time to work […] The post Ep 350: Masterclass Lesson 4 - Using the Wall to Develop Technique appeared first on 3four3.

This episode features a discussion about why possession soccer is what should be getting taught in youth team training. It is prompted by a lesson taught in the 343masterclass program. 00:00 Intro 04:44 Historical Context of Possession Soccer in the U.S. 07:39 Brian’s Influence and Success 11:27 Defining Success in Possession Soccer 15:39 Developing Individual […] The post Ep 349: Masterclass Lesson 3 – Possession Soccer is the Way appeared first on 3four3.

Unpacking the Mental Side of Soccer: Insights from the 3four3 Podcast In this episode of the 3four3 podcast, the focus is on the mental and psychological aspects of soccer, highlighted by their growing importance at higher levels of play. Real-life examples, including anecdotes about Efrain Alvarez and Lionel Messi, to illustrate how mental toughness, discipline, […] The post Ep 348: Mentality – The Most Important Player Attribute Gets The Least Attention appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode, the discussion centers around the importance of promotion and relegation in the American soccer ecosystem. Terry Ransberry, an entrepreneur and father of a young soccer player, shares his personal experiences as his son navigates the soccer world in Europe. The conversation highlights the differences between the American closed system and the open […] The post Ep 347: The Impact of Promotion and Relegation in Soccer – A Father’s Perspective appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode of the podcast, Gary and Benny discuss the 3four3 Masterclass, a parent education program aimed at equipping parents on how to better guide their kid’s soccer development. They explore how the program evolved from personal training to a comprehensive tool for parents, highlighting the critical role parents play in their kid’s soccer […] The post Ep 346: Inside the 3four3 Masterclass – Elevating Soccer Education for Parents appeared first on 3four3.

This episode delves into the balance between winning and youth soccer development, addressing challenges faced by parents, coaches, and clubs. The discussion covers the impact of media narratives and the structural shortcomings of American soccer, such as the lack of promotion and relegation. It explores how losing can be a learning tool and the need […] The post Ep 345: Balancing Winning and Development in Youth Soccer appeared first on 3four3.

Navigating the Complex World of Youth Soccer Coaching with Rory O’Neill In this episode Gary and guest Rory O’Neil drop unique gold nuggets. Quite a bit of Argentina talk, and how it’s different from the US. Rory shares his journey as a coach and a parent, his experiences with his YouTube channel, and his professional […] The post Ep 344: Rory O’Neill – Argentina, Coaching, and How to Identify Well-Coached Teams appeared first on 3four3.

Unlocking the 3four3 Soccer Coaching Methodology The episode delves into various aspects of coaching philosophy such as the importance of structured training, balancing the pressure to win versus player development, setting clear expectations, and building trust with players and parents. Real-world insights are shared into adapting these methods at different levels of play, managing parent […] The post Ep 343: Get Your New Coaching Season Started on the Right Foot appeared first on 3four3.

Transformation in US Soccer: What’s Mauricio Pochettino’s Impact? This episode discusses a potential turning point for U.S. Soccer with the hiring of high-profile Argentinian manager Mauricio Pochettino for the U.S. Men’s National Team. Hosts explore the possible cultural impact of this hire, both on and off the field, emphasizing the need for soccer excellence and […] The post Ep 342: Pochettino to the USMNT – Things You Are Not Told appeared first on 3four3.

Inside American Soccer: Coaching, Social Media, and Beyond with Benjamin Rogers In this episode host Gary has Benjamin (who played for Brian from age 10 on) share his transformation from a soccer player to a coach and his role as a social media manager for 3four3. The discussion includes the importance of understanding the sport’s […] The post Ep 341: Benny Rogers – The Practitioner Behind 3four3 appeared first on 3four3.

Exploring U.S. Soccer: Politics, Development, and Coaching with Kirk Kinsey Gary’s guest appearance on the Counter Press Podcast with Kirk Kinsey is featured. They delve into the U.S. Soccer Federation’s decision to terminate Gregg Berhalter and its broader repercussions on the U.S. Men’s National Team. The discussion covers intricate aspects of American soccer, including Major […] The post Ep 340: From Berhalter to the Bleachers, Everything is Connected – Is American Soccer Finally Going to Level Up? appeared first on 3four3.

American Soccer Under the Microscope: Governance, Culture, and Development In this episode, Kephern Fuller and I critically examine the systemic issues plaguing American soccer. We highlight how U.S. Soccer’s governance prioritizes control over sporting excellence, making coaches and players mere cogs in a power-driven machine. The discussion reveals a lack of genuine passion and cultural […] The post Ep 339: USMNT Failure was Necessary and Inevitable – A Deeper Dive of the Ecosystem that Drives American Soccer appeared first on 3four3.

This urgent podcast exposes the dire state of US soccer as the country becomes the first to host Copa America and not advance out of the group stage. The hosts lambast the current leadership, calling for immediate dismissal of the coach and a complete overhaul of the US Soccer Federation. We start to discuss the […] The post Ep 338: Emergency Podcast – US Soccer Leadership Needs to Be Removed and Reformed appeared first on 3four3.

Navigating the High-Stakes World of Soccer: Insights with Kephern Fuller In this episode, host Gary Kleiban sits down with Kephern Fuller to explore the complexities of American soccer players breaking into the European scene. The discussion covers immigration challenges, the realities of competing internationally, and the difficult decisions parents must make for their kid’s soccer […] The post Ep 337: Telling it Like it is With Kephern Fuller appeared first on 3four3.

Can coaches be “honest” with players and families, and more broadly is there honesty in the American soccer ecosystem? I’m joined by Paul Spacey, who I first met over 10 years ago soon after he arrived from England. Now with over a decade of working in American soccer, he shares a good number of lessons […] The post Ep 336: A Bunch of American Soccer Topics with Paul Spacey appeared first on 3four3.

The following episode features Ted Westervelt, regarded by many, including myself, as one of the originals who have been advocating and educating about promotion and relegation, both in the United States and abroad, for well over a decade. As you’ll see in this episode, he is very well-versed in the subject. And despite some suggesting […] The post Ep 335: Pro/Rel and MLS’ Assault on the US Open Cup with the OG himself, Ted Westervelt appeared first on 3four3.

Before the start of our weekly business meeting, John Kokkoris and I had some soccer small regarding this misguided notion of “let the kids play”. It was stimulated by the following comments made by the Argentine National Team manager, Lionel Scaloni. “There’s an excess of analysis, too much. Nowadays, everyone knows how the opponent plays; […] The post Ep 334: Be Smart with this Incomplete Notion of “Just Let the Kids Play” appeared first on 3four3.

Don (@Don_K_Williams) and I touch on a number of topics, including: There’s Nothing New in Soccer. Stats and Video Don’t Capture the Quality of a Player. Coaches Aren’t the Main Problem in Development. Personal Experience in Helping Latinos Have a Chance at the Professional Level. What is “Mentality”, and How Much Influence do Coaches Really […] The post Ep 333: Don Williams – Soccer Practitioner Working on Player Pathway Management you Should Follow on X appeared first on 3four3.

Truly knowing the landscape at all scales, helps you successfully navigate it. On Clubs A crucial concept often overlooked in discussions about soccer is the absence of what we commonly refer to as “clubs” at the MLS level. Moreover, this absence extends to the youth ranks. It might seem different from what you’d expect, especially […] The post Ep 332: The Ongoing US Open Cup Fiasco, Pro/Rel, and Are There Any Real Clubs in American Soccer? appeared first on 3four3.

Contrary to what many in the States will tell you: A National Team manager does not have to conform to the proverbial “player pool.” By selecting and elevating players that conform to it, they absolutely can impose their preferred style of play. Inspired by a post from @SerbFootyScout who wished Serbia could have had Marcelo […] The post Ep 331: A Myth You Are Believing About National Team Coaches appeared first on 3four3.

The post Ep 330: On Culture, Japan’s Success, America’s Failure, Neuroscience, Plus Much More with Tom Byer appeared first on 3four3.

Lifelong American soccer practitioner and entrepreneur, Kephern Fuller, joins me again from Holland. On September 15, news came out that an MLS owner, Arthur Blank, who operates the Atlanta franchise, was going to fund US Soccer with $50 million in order for them to build a National Training Center in Atlanta. Kephern then posted the […] The post Ep 329: Seeing the American Soccer Landscape Clearly, and the Most Recent MLS/USSF Conflict of Interest appeared first on 3four3.

Player attributes are compartmentalized in 4 general attributes: Technical Tactical Physical Psychological They’re all critical. But that 4th one, man that 4th one is quite a bit different from the others. It’s tough to put your finger on it. One thing is certain though, without having the requisite mentality, not only will the player not […] The post Ep 328: Why is the American Soccer Mentality so Soft? appeared first on 3four3.