Soccer Education

by Gary Kleiban on January 30, 2012 4 Comments

Please Fill in the Blanks

Happy mad-libbing! _______________ (Possession/4-3-3/Passing out of the back) like __________________ (F.C. Barcelona/Spain/Ajax) would never work for a __________________ (Mid-low table Premier League/Major League Soccer/NCAA Division I) team. The __________________ (British/American/American College) game is too ____________ (Fast/Physical/Aggressive) for a ________________ (British/MLS/College) team to play like that. The only reason ______________ (F.C. Barcelona/Spain/Ajax) can play like that is [...]

by Gary Kleiban on January 12, 2012 30 Comments

The Most Important Thing You Must Understand About Coaching

This is my response to reader John, who left an excellent set of comments. The last of which I’ll address here. Specifically: I’d love to see you talk about specific tactics, Gary. I have no doubt that you are very a bright guy, but I wish you’d share your knowledge with us. Tell us about [...]

Filed Under: Soccer Education Tagged With: Development, Education

by Gary Kleiban on December 16, 2011 5 Comments

Youth Teams Playing Up: The Pre-teen Years

Oh how everyone talks as if they know what “development” is, and how to do it. Sigh … Let’s talk a little bit about “playing up” and whether it helps or not. This weekend our U11′s are going to play in a U12 tournament. This isn’t the first time competing up either. The last was [...]

Filed Under: Club Soccer, Soccer Education Tagged With: Development, Education

by Gary Kleiban on November 18, 2011 4 Comments

Progress

“We’ve made good progress in the last 20 years.” Yes we have, and we should all be happy for it. However, it’s easier going from 40% to 70%, than it is from 70% to 100%. The first jump involves broad strokes. You know, the “common sense” stuff. The second jump involves the details. You know, [...]

Filed Under: Problems, Soccer Education, Solutions Tagged With: Development, Education, Problems, Solutions

by Gary Kleiban on October 24, 2011 56 Comments

THE LIST

What follows is an initial list of 25 things obstructing the US from becoming a soccer powerhouse. The “what’s wrong” topic is always around and maintains a certain level of attention. Then, when our national teams flounder, the topic spikes and dominates the discussion. And of course everyone and their mom has an opinion. Errrr [...]

Filed Under: Problems, Soccer Education, Solutions Tagged With: Education, Problems, Solutions

by Gary Kleiban on September 28, 2011 51 Comments

Referee Influence on Style of Play

There has been plenty of talk as to referees essentially dictating style of play. Not just of one game, but on entire leagues and at all levels. The implication is that this has direct influence on a coach’s player selections and the style of play he implements. So generally: Spain has more possession, skill-based play [...]

Filed Under: Soccer Education, Uncategorized Tagged With: Education, excuses

by Gary Kleiban on September 12, 2011 7 Comments

Klinsmann’s Roster Decisions Leading up to World Cup Qualifying

In his last post, Jacques posed an interesting question: Is it acceptable/effective to select experienced players with incomplete skill sets and little tactical malleability? Or, is the system Klinsmann seeks to implement better served by selecting players with less pedigree but with skill sets better suited to succeed in a possession based system? Experience or [...]

Filed Under: National Team, Soccer Education Tagged With: Education, Players, USMNT

by Gary Kleiban on August 18, 2011 27 Comments

3four3 Turns 2! Thank You Guys!

Today marks 2 years of 3four3! When I first started, the idea was really just to get my thoughts on paper, flesh them out and refine them over time. I thought I would systematically deconstruct all the issues I saw with the sport in the U.S., and methodically build up solutions. Surely that would be [...]

Filed Under: Soccer Education, Solutions Tagged With: Education, Problems, Solutions

by Gary Kleiban on August 1, 2011 21 Comments

Klinsmann: What are the expectations?

This is the first of a multi-part series I’m doing on Klinsmann. I want to stay focused and only talk about one specific theme per post. Now is the time to clearly set up expectations. Be specific! What should his charter be? I’ve stated this before, but let me repeat not only what I think [...]

Filed Under: National Team, Soccer Education, Solutions Tagged With: Coach, Education, Solutions, USMNT

by Gary Kleiban on July 26, 2011 9 Comments

Fair Warning to Our Readers

I want to take this opportunity to inform our newest readers that not only can this site be blunt at times, but there may be sparse usage of profanity as well. I’m certain some people find this outrageous – or just off-putting – and that’s ok. This is simply my way of saying this blog [...]

Filed Under: Soccer Education Tagged With: Education