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 methodologies, the relevance of consistent practice, and the role of educating parents. Join us as we navigate through the challenges and triumphs of implementing possession-based soccer from youth levels to the professional stage.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

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 personal experiences and insights into how these techniques, when mastered, can significantly improve and solidify a player’s game.

Additionally, we discuss the cultural impact of rondos, how to recognize tactical moments in games, and the broader implications of passion and dedication in the sport.

This episode is packed with valuable information for coaches and parents alike, aiming to elevate the soccer training environment in America.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

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 into the obstacles of owning a club in Romania, the harsh realities players face, and the cultural differences between American and European soccer.

Joe also highlights the importance of education and realistic expectations for young players aspiring to go pro. Additionally, we cover the systemic issues within U.S. soccer, the true nature of being an agent, and the importance of a strong developmental environment.

This episode offers a candid look into the often unseen world of professional soccer and club ownership.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

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 from trendy drills, and the long-term commitment required to master the craft of coaching.

Key insights also touch on the notion of networking in the soccer world and how it intersects with genuinely earning your place in the coaching community.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

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 California, we explore the psychology of winning, the challenges faced by small clubs in the U.S. soccer landscape, and the broader implications of politics and societal issues on the sport. Tune in for an engaging conversation that touches on both practical coaching tips and larger cultural contexts.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

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 and professional opportunities. We explore the historical context of the pro path, the role of MLS Academies, and the critical changes over the last decade.

The conversation highlights the rise of USL as a great alternative to MLS, the nuances of player development, and the importance of parental involvement.

The episode also touches on the future of American soccer with proposed changes to align with the international calendar and the potential for promotion and relegation within USL. Whether you’re a parent, coach, aspiring player, or someone wanting to properly contribute to the discussion this episode offers valuable insights to help navigate the often complex and political landscape of American soccer.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

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 critical role of communication among defenders, and how defensive qualities vary with player positions.

We also touch on the challenges posed by the restrictions on heading the ball in youth soccer and the overarching importance of developing a strong defensive culture.

Additionally, we critique the structure and incentives in American soccer, particularly within Major League Soccer (MLS), and stress the need for genuine journalistic accountability in sports media.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

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 training, and the role of set pieces.

We also touch on issues such as the American soccer ecosystem, the value of talented strikers, and more.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

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 high costs, stringent requirements, and the gatekeeping nature of coaching licenses, while also contemplating the potential for a more meritocratic approach. We touch on the practical aspects of coaching, differences in educational content between U.S. and UEFA licenses, sideline coaching philosophies, and the broader implications for American soccer’s growth and competitiveness.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

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?

Lastly, we answer a couple of audience questions surrounding the education programs.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

The post Ep 366: What a Week! The USMNT Loses Again, and USL Wins With Pro/Rel. appeared first on 3four3.