Written: June 29th, 2019 | With the new goal kick rules allowing a ball to be passed within the 18 yard box, I believe it will have a profound impact on youth soccer. No longer will youth teams concede goals due to a young goalkeeper not being able to take a goal kick further than the first line of defense. The rules at the highest level will dramatically effect the amateur game much like the rule change in golf regarding no longer having to remove the flagstick while putting. At the professional level the rule change is minuscule, but at the amateur level, it dramatically sped up speed of play.
If I were in charge, I'd also take away goalkeeper punts at the youth level up to 14 years old. This would kill two birds with one stone as it would force players and teams to be able to build from the back as well as solve a growing issue with concussions at the youth level. Youth players shouldn't be encouraged to head a ball that is punted 50 yards. Heading should have never been banned in youth soccer as it is one of the most important techniques to be able to score a goal, but now, that technique can't be developed until later on in their career.
If I were in charge, I'd also take away goalkeeper punts at the youth level up to 14 years old. This would kill two birds with one stone as it would force players and teams to be able to build from the back as well as solve a growing issue with concussions at the youth level. Youth players shouldn't be encouraged to head a ball that is punted 50 yards. Heading should have never been banned in youth soccer as it is one of the most important techniques to be able to score a goal, but now, that technique can't be developed until later on in their career.
RSS Feed