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.

Please become familiar with the terms below.

TACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS ON DEFENSE
Clear	Clear the ball immediately without attempting to control it.
Contain	Tells teammate to delay the attacker until defensive support arrives (generally using soft pressure, steering to side).
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 to the ball, and to challenge for the ball. (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 indicating she is providing defensive support in case first defender gets beaten.
Recover	Run directly back to goalside position and support defense.
Push up	Asks fullbacks 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 for a teammate making a run of the ball.
Time	You are not under pressure, look up and assess your options.
Wing	Play the ball wide or down the touchline.
1-2	Play and give and 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.