Communication on the Soccer Field

Communication on the Soccer Field

It is normal for high quality soccer teams to communicate on the field during play using specific terms that help coordinate both offensive and defensive play. Our team will benefit from knowing and using the terms listed and explained below.

Most communication during a game is provided by players that DO NOT possess the ball, but are in a position to see the field, ball and supporting players.

On offense, the communication is for the benefit of the player with the ball (she is generally busy). On defense, communication keeps us coordinated and balanced.

TACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS ON DEFENSE
Clear	Clear the ball immediately without attempting to control it.
Goalside	Get between the opponent and our goal.
Mark-up	Tells teammates to take responsibility for marking an opponent man-to-man (normally goalside), especially on free kicks and corners.
Pressure	Asks first defender to close distance to the ball, to force the attacker’s eyes down, and pressure the attacker by denying them space and time. (Also "close down")
Tackle	You have support and can attempt to tackle the opponent in order to win the ball.
Ball	First defender indicating she will pressure ball.
Cover	Second defender providing defensive support in case first defender gets beaten.
Recover	Get immediately back into position and support defense.
Push up	Asks defenders to move up the field to leave an opponent in an offside position and/ or support our attack.
TACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS ON OFFENSE
Cross	Play the ball across the field in front of the opponent’s goal.
Far Post	Tells on ball attacker where to send the cross.
Near Post	Tells on ball attacker where to send the cross.
Man on	Warns of immediate pressure.
Switch	Play the ball to the far side of the field to change the point of attack.
Support	I am here in support. If you want to play it back, I am here (and open).
Through	Split the defenders with a pass into space behind them, for a teammate to run onto
Time	You are not under pressure, look up and assess your options.
Turn	You are not under pressure, you can turn towards opponents goal
Wing or Wide	Play the ball wide or down the touchline.
1-2 or Back	Play a give-n-go pass (give a pass and break open for a return pass).
Square	Indicates support to the right or left of the player with the ball.
Coming Left	Indicates player making an overlapping run by another player – use "Left" or "Right"