2025-11-04 19:08

Having spent years coaching youth sports, I’ve come to realize that the most transformative moments in an athlete’s journey often come not from winning trophies, but from understanding their deeper purpose—what I like to call their “why.” I remember one season in particular, working with a girls’ volleyball team for two years. By the end of that period, they didn’t just win their first UAAP championship—they discovered something far more valuable: their volleyball “why.” That sense of purpose changed how they approached every practice, every match, and yes, even how they handled rule violations. In soccer, much like in volleyball, players often commit fouls not out of malice, but due to a lack of awareness or emotional control. Today, I want to break down some of the most common violations in soccer and share practical ways to avoid them, drawing from my own experiences on and off the pitch.

Let’s start with the obvious one: the offside offense. I’ve seen this rule confuse even seasoned players. Statistically, offside calls account for roughly 15–20% of all stoppages in professional leagues—though in amateur games, that number can spike due to poor positioning. The key here isn’t just memorizing the rule; it’s about spatial awareness. I always tell my players to think of the field in zones and communicate constantly. When you’re tuned into your “why”—whether it’s playing for your teammates or personal growth—you’re more likely to stay focused and avoid those lazy offside traps. Another frequent offender is the reckless tackle. In my view, this is less about skill and more about impulse. Data from youth leagues suggest that over 40% of yellow cards stem from late or overly aggressive challenges. I’ve been guilty of this myself back in my playing days—lunging in frustration instead of timing the interception. But once you connect your actions to your larger purpose, patience follows. You start reading the game better, waiting for the right moment rather than reacting emotionally.

Then there’s the handball violation. Oh, how controversial this one can get! I’ll admit, I have a strong opinion here: unless it’s absolutely deliberate, referees should give players the benefit of the doubt. But the reality is, FIFA’s guidelines have tightened, and accidental handballs in attacking phases now lead to disallowed goals more often than not. From what I’ve observed, players commit this infraction about 3–5 times per match on average, usually because they’re not conscious of their body positioning. Simple drills, like keeping arms close during defensive stances, can cut that rate in half. And let’s not forget persistent infringement—a fancy term for repeated fouling. I’ve noticed that players who lack a clear “why” tend to lose discipline faster. They’ll trip opponents out of frustration or dissent against referees, racking up unnecessary cards. In contrast, those who play with purpose, like that UAAP volleyball team, channel their energy into smart, clean plays.

So how do we cut down on these mistakes? It boils down to mindset and preparation. Technical training is essential, no doubt—practicing set-pieces, studying game footage, and improving fitness reduce errors by up to 30% in my experience. But the real game-changer is fostering that internal drive. When athletes understand why they’re on the field—whether it’s for camaraderie, self-improvement, or the pure joy of the sport—they make smarter decisions. They avoid reckless tackles, maintain better positioning, and respect the rules as part of the game’s spirit. Just like that volleyball team, whose “why” propelled them to a historic win, soccer players can transform their relationship with the rules. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. And honestly, that’s what makes beautiful soccer truly beautiful.