COMMUNICATION

Communication helps players:

• feel less rushed and less alone

• make calmer decisions

• work together instead of guessing
  
  

Many important team concepts cannot work without communication, including:

• Press & Cover (someone must clearly take responsibility)

• Shape & Sliding (players can’t stay connected if no one talks)

• Possession (players panic less when they know their options)

• Getting Open (players learn when they are actually helping)
  
  

At this age, communication doesn’t need to be perfect...it just needs to be understandable and consistent. 

Effective communication at this level should be:

• Early – before the ball arrives

• Short – usually one or two words

• Clear – easy to understand

• Helpful – it changes what a teammate does

• Positive – encouragement matters

A team communicating well will still make mistakes — but those mistakes happen with more awareness and less chaos. 

Organizing communication into simple categories helps coaches teach it and helps players understand why they’re talking.

Ownership Communication

“I am responsible for this moment.”

Used when players need to decide who is playing the ball or applying pressure.

Player words to use 

• “Mine” / “Got it”
  Meaning: I am playing the ball — teammates should back off and support.
  
  

• “Press” / “Ball” / “I got ball”
  Meaning: I am stepping to the ball to slow the attacker — teammates should cover space, not also rush the ball.
  
  

• “Keeper” (only if used in your program)
  Meaning: The goalkeeper is coming for the ball — field players should move away.

Why this matters

Ownership prevents:

• two players going for the same ball

• hesitation

• confusion

How to explain it to players

“If you’re going to the ball, say it, so your teammates know what you’re doing.”

Information Communication

“Here’s what I see.”

Used to help the player on the ball understand time, pressure, or options.

IMPORTANT: Avoid jargon that feels unnatural for your team. Use language that players will actually say.

Player words to use

• “Time”
  Meaning: You are not being pressured right now — you can take a touch, look up, or keep the ball.
  
  

• “Pressure” or "Man On"
  Meaning: A defender is close or coming quickly — be ready to protect the ball or move it.
  
  

• “Turn”
  Meaning: You have space behind you — you can turn and face forward.
  
  

• “Back”
  Meaning: There is a safe option behind you if you need it.
  
  

• “Switch” (use sparingly)
  Meaning: There is more space on the other side of the field — moving the ball away from pressure may help.

Why this matters

The player on the ball cannot see everything. This information:

• reduces surprise

• slows the game down mentally

• improves decisions

Coaching emphasis

Information is most helpful while the ball is traveling, not after the first touch.

Support Communication

“I can help you here.”

Used by players without the ball to help the ball carrier.

Player words to use 

• “Here”
  Meaning: I am open, you can see me, and there is a clear passing lane.
  
  

• “Help”
  Meaning: I need a nearby option — come closer so I’m not stuck.
  
  

• “Wide”
  Meaning: I am in space near the sideline and can help stretch the field.
  
  

• “Drop”
  Meaning: I am available behind the play if you need a safe pass.
  
  

Key teaching point for coaches

Calling “Here” only counts if:

• the ball carrier can see you, and

• a defender is not standing between you and the ball.

If a player is hidden behind an opponent, they are not open yet.

Start with a small team vocabulary

Too many words = confusion.

A strong, realistic starter set for U10+ rec:

• “Mine / Got it”

• “Press”

• “Time”

• “Pressure”

• “Help”

Once these are consistent, other words will naturally follow.

Model the language you want

Players copy what they hear.

Coaches should:

• use the same words on the sideline

• praise helpful communication, even if the play doesn’t work
  
  

avoid over-talking or long instructions during play

Communication supports:

• Shape, Positioning & Sliding

• Press & Cover

• Possession as a Team Value

• Supporting the Ball

Communication makes these skills more effective:

• Receiving (knowing time or pressure)

• Passing (choosing the best option)

• Shielding (protecting the ball)

• Scanning (seeing earlier and communicating sooner)