This is a response to a comment left on a previous article about soccer possession. We value every single one of our readers whether they agree or disagree with us – without you guys, we don’t exist! So Wayne took issue with my statement: “[with] a synchronized high pressure defense, it will be extremely difficult […]
Education
Possession Soccer: What does it take?
This post is my response to an observation made by one of our readers, CarlosT from the Sounder At Heart blog. In his comment to our possession article, he shared the video below and stated: “It seems to me that while this style of play is associated with hugely talented teams like Argentina and Brazil, the […]
Fundamental Guide to Soccer IQ
I think we can all agree that Soccer IQ is about decision making. – When to dribble. – When to pass. – When to shoot. – When to send a cross. – When to go forward or backward. – etc. Disagreements arise on what is the correct thing to do – the reason for the […]
Now This Is Beautiful Soccer!
The day US soccer starts demonstrating combination play like this, is the day we’ll graduate to the next level. How many times have you ever seen it on our National Teams or MLS? Here’s the video. (If you can’t see it, click here). This is what we should be striving for, this is what fans […]
Physically Maturing Early: A Double-Edged Sword
Beginning puberty early has interesting consequences as far as a player’s soccer development. The immediate thought that comes to mind is a positive one. These players will have a physical advantage, and if they have at least average skill, they become dominant in their age group. There’s a lot of good things that come along […]
What’s an Elite Player?
This term “elite” is abused. In conversations with players, fans, media, coaches – the soccer community in general – I have heard many label this or that player elite. And sometimes it’s actually a decent player. But elite they are not. Also, it’s remarkable how many times the player that was referenced is really just […]
What Everybody Ought to Know About Possession
The lack of holding ball possession is an ugly plague that infests every sector of soccer in this country! Aside from the aesthetic appeal that comes with stringing together five, ten, twenty, forty touches while the other team fails in its attempt to recover the ball, here are some vital things you must know about […]
US Soccer 2.0: So close and yet so so far!
Welcome to 3four3. This is the first article being published here so I thought I’d provide a little background and explain the motivation. By attaching the “2.0” to US Soccer, I’m trying to convey the concept that things have changed. Not in the “it’s all different now” sense, but more that this country has taken […]