Soccer by 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

In this episode the hosts discuss the concept of Soccer IQ, exploring what it truly means and its various layers. They discuss the importance of decision-making on the field, the balance between letting young players experiment and teaching them good habits, and the role of coaches in developing Soccer IQ. The conversation also touches on […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

This episode dives 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 […]

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 […]

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 [&#8230...

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 […]

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 […]

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 [...

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 [&...

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 […]