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 into sideline be…

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 parents and club manag…

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 techn…

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 …

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 differenc…

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 re…

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 coa…

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 strugg…

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 cultural …

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 by yourself with a wall, in a very deliberate and speci…

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 Developin…

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 toughne…

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 sys…

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 nee…

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 background as a physician. The…

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…

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 socc…

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 political and cul…

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 Am…

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 revea…

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 underhanded control Major League Soc…

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 careers. Key topics include the devel…

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 learned. Topics in the episode include: Hones…