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The Basic Rules

The following are some of the most commonly observed youth soccer rules, as dictated by the United States Youth Soccer Associations (USYSA) and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Remember that youth soccer rules can vary between leagues and age divisions, so always consult the local soccer authority for the final word on rules and regulations.

Each team is comprised of 11 players- 10 on the field and 1 in goal. According to youth soccer rules, a team is allowed a maximum of 3 substitutions during the match if it is part of an official competition. While all the players on the field must wear jerseys of the same color, the goalkeeper must wear a different colored jersey than their teammates and the referees. Most goalkeepers choose to wear a goalkeeping jersey, a pinnie or mesh training vest, or a t-shirt.

All players must wear shin guards both during practice and game play that must be covered with socks. Metal cleats are not permitted during youth soccer play. Only rubber cleats in the back of the shoe will be accepted.

A soccer match lasts 90 minutes, and is played in two halves. A team scores a goal when the entire ball has traveled across the goal line between the two posts and under the crossbar.

Hands Off

Arguably the most important rule in the game of soccer is that players are not allowed to use their hands or arms (from the tips of the finger to the shoulder) to move the ball while it is in play on the field. The sole exceptions to this rule are the goalkeepers. However, a goalkeeper may not use their hands on a pass that comes from one of their own teammates.

The 3 Kicks: Goal, Corner, and Penalty

When the ball is kicked out of bounds along one of the sidelines, a player from the opposite team gets to throw the ball onto the field at the point in which it went foul. Both feet must remain on the ground when throwing the ball in from the sidelines, and the throw must be executed overhead using both hands.

If the ball crosses the end line, a corner kick or goal kick is performed. If the offensive team was the last to touch the ball before it crossed the end line, then it is kicked in from any spot inside the goalkeeper's box, hence the name goal kick. Any player may execute the goal kick, not just the goalkeeper. If it was the defensive team that kicked the ball across the end line, it is kicked back into play from the corner nearest to where it left the field.

Penalty kicks are also a big part of youth soccer. If the defending team causes a contact foul or a hand ball within the penalty area, a penalty kick will be awarded to the offensive team. The ball is placed 12 yards away from the goal in the center, which is known as the penalty spot.

The goalkeeper must keep both feet on the goal line and all players must vacate the penalty area and remain outside until the ball is kicked. If a goal is not scored and the ball bounces back onto the field, it is still considered live, thus anyone can play it.

Need More Help Coaching Youth Soccer?

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Soccer Drills and Practice Plans

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Coaching any youth sport is extremely important. While there are many different styles and methods of coaching. Good coaches will mold their coaching style to fit the personality of their team. While it is important to set a style and method that is comfortable for you, it is equally important to consider the comfort level of your team. This is imperative if you coach children. While children must be encouraged to win, there are many more important aspects of the soccer game that should be considered with this particular age group. This includes working together as a team, and learning to have fun while participating in sporting events. Here, you will learn how to coach a fun soccer training session.

Keep Them Moving

The first thing that you can do to coach a fun soccer training session is to ensure that you make it fun. With children as your team, it is important to create games and activities that all the team members can participate in. Try to avoid engaging in drills and similar things that mean that the children must stand in line and wait their turn. This is a great time waster when it comes to the development of your players, and can make the soccer training session extremely boring for the children.

Have a Plan

The second thing that you should do in order to coach a fun soccer training session is to be completely prepared. Come up with a list of exciting games and drills that the children can participate in. Make sure that these activities develop the overall skill and technique of each player. It is important for the soccer training session to be interactive and challenging for the child. If you are prepared, and know exactly what you want to focus on, the team is sure to have a wonderful time and learn many new things.

Prep Your Practice

The third thing that you should do in order to ensure that you are making your soccer training fun and exciting for your players is to arrive before everyone else and set up the training area. This will allow you and your team to immediately start training once everyone has arrived. This avoids having to get the children to help set up activities and become bored before they even start. You may wish to encourage early arrival by explaining to members that the last two people to arrive will need to pick up the cones and the balls used during the training session. This makes prompt arrival a fun and challenging game, and will encourage those that arrive last to get there a little earlier next time. Furthermore, this will be a great help to you after an exhausting training session!

While many coaches may not consider "having fun" a key component of a soccer training session with children, it is important to understand that this IS the most important component. If you have a team full of happy players, their performance will be better. The team will be more successful as a whole if they are having fun and are not overwhelmed with negativity during soccer training sessions.

For additional soccers training tips check out http://www.OptimalSoccerFitness.com

UEFA Euro 2008

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2008 Uefa European Football Championship