Here’s a concise and practical list of the Top 10 soccer vocal instructions your players can use on the pitch:
Defensive Communication:
- “Man on!”
- Tells a teammate they’re under pressure and should protect or quickly pass the ball.
- “Time!”
- Lets a teammate know they’re not under immediate pressure and can calmly control the ball or look for options.
- “Drop!” / “Step!”
- Commands teammates to move backward (drop) or forward (step) together as a defensive unit.
- “Inside!” / “Outside!”
- Directs a teammate to force the attacker either toward the center (inside) or toward the sideline (outside).
Attacking Communication:
- “Through!”
- Requests a pass into open space behind or between defenders.
- “Feet!”
- Indicates a short pass directly to a teammate’s feet, usually when marked closely.
- “Overlap!”
- Informs a teammate you’re running around (overlapping) them from behind, creating width or attacking options.
General Awareness:
- “Switch!”
- Signals teammates to quickly move the ball to the opposite side of the field, away from pressure.
- “Turn!”
- Lets a teammate receiving the ball know they have space behind them to turn and advance forward.
- “Keeper!”
- Alerts teammates clearly and loudly that the goalkeeper is coming to claim the ball, avoiding confusion.
How to Teach Them:
- Demonstrate: Explain each phrase clearly, then show practical examples in small-sided games or drills.
- Reinforce: Regularly remind players during games or scrimmages to use these terms clearly and loudly.
- Positive Praise: Reward players verbally when they communicate well, reinforcing good habits.
Using consistent soccer vocabulary helps build team confidence, coordination, and awareness on the pitch.