Ep 371: Insights Only Come with Experience – A Chat with Paul Spacey

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
06:33 Opposed vs Unopposed Training
18:07 On So-called “Research”
22:29 Credibility of Non-practitioners
24:02 On Importance of Culture
25:17 Sub: What will Happen with the USMNT in 2026
27:58 Coaching Relevance Depending on Level of Parity
29:50 Regarding Consolidation of Youth Clubs in the US
38:41 On Outside Powers Disrupting the System
41:45 On Discernment Capabilities (Regarding Experts and Credentials)
56:15 On Repetition
01:04:56 On England’s Chances in 2026
01:06:02 Sub: On the Importance of Psychology
01:08:05 Sub: What Happens if England Wins the World Cup?
01:12:55 On Hard vs Soft Mentality

---

Premium Education for either Coaches or Parents

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.

For Coaches

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.
If you’re coaching 7v7, we’ve got you covered at 7v7coaching.com.

For Parents

You don’t have to be lost and confused.
Learn to properly guide and develop your kid through the maze and pitfalls that is American soccer (from the folks who have actually done it).
Gain access at 343masterclass.com.

---

Never miss new episodes:

• Subscribe to 3four3 FM on iTunes
• Subscribe to 3four3 FM on Stitcher
• Subscribe to 3four3 FM on Spotify

---

Parent Education Program