So, you think you have what it takes to become a youth soccer coach. Well in this article, you can determine if you are correct or not. Not just anyone can become a youth soccer coach, it takes someone with knowledge of the game, someone who is fair, someone who is honest, someone who works hard, and someone who associates well with kids. If this sounds like you, you may be just the person for the job. Dedication is also necessary to becoming a youth soccer coach and it takes a lot of dedication on your part to ensure your players are ready for the great game of soccer.
While there are many different aspects of soccer such as positions, skills, scrimmages, drills, and practices, one of the first areas, which you must learn as a new coach, are the basic rules of soccer. First, learn the layout of the field. The halfway line and the center circle divides each side and this is where kick-off takes place, at the top of each quarter or half and after a goal has been scored. Each side consists of a goal, goal box, goal line, penalty box, two corner arcs, sidelines, and a penalty box arc.
As a youth soccer coach, you must learn and teach your young players the rules as they apply to them and the game of soccer. We already covered what a kick-off is, however, you should let your players know that once the center kicks the ball, he or she may not touch the ball again until another player has. Next up is the throw-in, this occurs when the ball has passed over the sideline. The non-offending team has the chance to throw the ball in to his or hers team members. The feet must always be in place, never moving, and the ball must be thrown with both hands, over the head.
A corner or goal kick occurs when the ball has crossed the endline. The goal kick is warranted when the opposing team has kicked the ball across the endline without a score. If the team with the ball, kicks it over their own endline, the opposing teams gets what is called a corner kick. This takes place in the corner of a field and depending on the age of the players, the team must stay back so many feet from the point of the kick.
A penalty kick occurs when an opposing player performs a foul within their penalty box. An example of this foul may be using hands or tripping a player. The opposing team gets the opportunity to kick from the penalty line, with only the goalkeeper in the area.
A free kick takes place when the opposing team has fouled a member outside of their penalty box. The free kick will take place from the point in which the foul occurred.
These are just a few of the many rules when it comes to youth soccer, it is important that as a coach you review and learn all rules in order to prepare your team for a game. Becoming a youth soccer coach is a coveted position that will provide you with many rewarding opportunities as you shape the lives of your team.
