So you've decided to be the new soccer coach but you have no idea what to do next. I started that way! I was asked to take on a u12 team in my town cause they were short on volunteer coaches and if they couldn't find someone to take the position the team would be disbanded. I had coached a few other sports before so I agreed. That's when I learned how little I knew about soccer. So where do you start? As a new soccer coach you're probably in the same position now, maybe this will help.

The first thing you want to know about soccer is the fundamentals and rules of the game. You can find all the rules at the FIFA website. 1st problem solved. The second one you are going to face is the fundamentals. There are hundreds of websites to help a new soccer coach, but if you're just starting out just keep with the beginner sites.Learn the positions and how many of each you plan on using at a time. I ran a 2-3-2 formation. 2 defenders, 3 midfielders and 2 forwards and a goalie. I'll go over their responsibility in a minute.

But first you need to know the field layout. I won't go into dimensions because different age groups use different field sizes. The field layout: to simplify we will call the two ends of the field end lines. The two sides of the field are called the touch lines,most people call them sides lines. The line in the middle is the midfield line. In front of the goal are two boxes. The box closest to the box is called the goal box or the 6. The bigger box is called the 18, or the penalty area. Inside the 18 the goalie may pick up the ball or use his hands to control the ball, outside that box even the goalie can not use his hands. At the top of the 18 is a semi-circle, called the penalty arc. the circle in the middle of the field is called the center circle, where all kickoffs are taken. In each corner you have corner arcs where all corner kicks are taken. A corner kick is awarded to the offensive player when the defense kicks the ball past the end lines.

 Positions: As a new soccer coach you probably already know the responsiblity of a goalie, just remember he can only touch the ball inside the 18. The defenders are on the defensive side of midfield and their responsibility is to stop the opponents forwards and midfielders from scoring. The forwards operate on the other side of the midfield line and move towards the opponent's goal. The midfielders move between the defensive and the offensive ends. Midfielders can be used as offensive players or defensive.

So now we know that a new soccer coach should know the field layout, the positions and what and where they should be playing on the field. Next, take the time to learn at least some of the rules before practice starts, go on the Internet and get some practice plans and drills. With this much you should have a good first season. Good luck and have fun!