Overview
Communication is a vital aspect in the game of soccer. Teammates must communicate to teammates if they wish to receive a pass, or to tell them of defensive pressure they cannot see. Teammates must also communicate when defending in order to work as a unit. As a soccer coach, you should make a constant effort to improve communication on your team. To be successful, your team must have good communication, as the opportunity for miscommunication--and mistakes--exists.
Step 1
Emphasize to the players on your soccer team how important communication is. It is important that communication is emphasized during practice and not just on game day. You will see little improvement by standing on the bench and yelling "talk to each other." Focus on how to communicate and at what times--be as specific as possible. For example, players should be aware to call for a pass only when they are open, not when they are covered or when a pass could be intercepted.
Step 2
Teach communication during drills. When teaching passing techniques, place a condition on the drill that players with the ball do not pass it until the receiver calls their name to ask for a pass. Use positive reinforcement and praise players by name when they use good communication. Demonstrate how they should do it. To progress the drill, you could put goals down either side of a player receiving the pass. Have the passer communicate which goal to score a point in.
Step 3
Include communication in your defensive drills to improve communication. Two-on-two defensive situations are good situations to teach good communication to a soccer team. Emphasize the importance of the player pressuring the ball being able to communicate to teammates. This will avoid two players trying to pressure the ball, leaving an open attacker. The cover defender can communicate where defensive cover is or offer information regarding where open players are.
Step 4
Allow your soccer team to coach themselves for portions of a drill. Begin a drill and explain the rules and conditions in full. Then, encourage players to lead sections of the drill, with you advising them on occasional coaching points. Not only does this exercise improve communication, but it increases social confidence within the group and develops leadership.
Step 5
Encourage social interaction within a soccer team. Organize team events and increase interaction and communication off the field. If players spend a lot of time socializing and communicating with each other, you will see positive results from your soccer team. Increased familiarity in each others' company makes good communication come more naturally.
