Material from Paul Cooper
“Communication works for those who work at it” John Powell
Communication is so vital on the football pitch. Communication can come in many forms and not just words.
· Speech, giving commands and asking
· Pointing
· A shrug of the shoulder
· With your eyes
Verbal communication on the pitch can cover a number of things.
· Asking for the ball – ‘Pete’s ball’ etc
· Warning a fellow player - ‘Man on’
· Giving extra information – ‘Turn’ ‘Time’
Children our very often very quiet on the pitch, this could be down to nerves or confidence and is in stark contrast to the constant chatter before and after the game in the dressing room
In contrast in a lot of adult football everyone is shouting for the ball, even when they are in a poor position to receive the ball.
· Age Group U9s to adults
· Pitch sizes 40 x 20 – or at the discretion of the coach. Number of teams – 2
· Team sizes – 4-6
· Bibs optional
· Goals – 5 a side or mini soccer goals
Play this game as a normal game but for sections of the game have no talking at all.
The sound of silence makes the players aware of how important verbal communication is. Without verbal communication players must find other ways of communicating such as pointing or a movement of the eyes.
It is a good idea to agree on very simple commands such as ‘Take’, ‘Keepers’ etc.
Also as mentioned earlier too much communication can be as bad as too little. Am I in a good position to receive the ball, no Pete is in a far better position.
When a player has the ball and five team mates are calling for it you have a problem.
It goes without saying that other than the coach (and even this should be kept to a minimum) no parents or spectators should be coaching or offering advice from the side. This is very confusing for young players.
“Communication works for those who work at it” John Powell
Communication is so vital on the football pitch. Communication can come in many forms and not just words.
· Speech, giving commands and asking
· Pointing
· A shrug of the shoulder
· With your eyes
Verbal communication on the pitch can cover a number of things.
· Asking for the ball – ‘Pete’s ball’ etc
· Warning a fellow player - ‘Man on’
· Giving extra information – ‘Turn’ ‘Time’
Children our very often very quiet on the pitch, this could be down to nerves or confidence and is in stark contrast to the constant chatter before and after the game in the dressing room
In contrast in a lot of adult football everyone is shouting for the ball, even when they are in a poor position to receive the ball.
· Age Group U9s to adults
· Pitch sizes 40 x 20 – or at the discretion of the coach. Number of teams – 2
· Team sizes – 4-6
· Bibs optional
· Goals – 5 a side or mini soccer goals
Play this game as a normal game but for sections of the game have no talking at all.
The sound of silence makes the players aware of how important verbal communication is. Without verbal communication players must find other ways of communicating such as pointing or a movement of the eyes.
It is a good idea to agree on very simple commands such as ‘Take’, ‘Keepers’ etc.
Also as mentioned earlier too much communication can be as bad as too little. Am I in a good position to receive the ball, no Pete is in a far better position.
When a player has the ball and five team mates are calling for it you have a problem.
It goes without saying that other than the coach (and even this should be kept to a minimum) no parents or spectators should be coaching or offering advice from the side. This is very confusing for young players.
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