Communicating
One of the most obvious differences
between levels of soccer is that the higher the level of play, the more
players communicate on the field. What is communication? Talking certainly
qualifies. But communication is much more, too. One definition of
communication is "the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by
speech, signals, writing, or behavior." When done verbally, communication
includes talking, listening and understanding what others say. Every player
can come up with examples of when communication would help them on the
field, but only with maturity do players actually begin to put this skill to
use. For example, good communication on the field occurs when a fullback
passes to a midfielder and tells him to "turn," "play it back," or that they
have a "man on." By communicating in this manner, a player lets his teammate
know what to do (or at the very least gives him an idea of his options). And
if the communication is timely, it comes early enough to help the teammate
understand his options better. On the field, the earlier, quicker, and
louder communication is given the more help it provides. Of course, the
communication must be accurate. Telling a player "man on" when there is no
opponent within ten yards only causes missed opportunities.
Thus, a key to good soccer
communication is understanding the significance of its timing. If a player
has the ball and another player behind calls for a back pass, it’s important
to understand that what he is saying is that the back pass is available NOW.
Too often a player calls for a back pass and the player with the ball takes
two, three, or even four more touches on the ball before making the pass. By
the time the pass is made, the opportunity for the pass is no longer there.
When a player calls for the ball, it’s important to know when they are
referring to and to not assume that what is available when the call was made
will still be available five or ten seconds later. Another helpful form of
communication occurs when it tells a teammate about options that do not
relate to the person talking. Communication is frequently most effective
when it involves a third person. For example, when one player tells another
player to play the ball out wide to a third player, the communicator has
advanced the team’s chances through good communication, even though the
direction did not relate to his own involvement in the play. Effective,
early communication makes individuals better players and teams better teams.
One of the things that prevents some players from being effective
communicators is their fear of being accused of being "bossy". Good
communication is not bossy. And bossiness is not good communication. One
more thing–yelling at your teammate after the fact is most likely not good
communication. It takes time to become an effective communicator but
when you consider the benefits of being one, it’s definitely worth the time
and effort involved.
