Many coaches have taught soccer players to say “I got it” or “clear it” – those two phrases are arguably the two worst phrases of effective communication on the soccer field. Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of keeper communication with a few examples:
Do: ALWAYS call “Keeper” when you are going for a 50-50 ball. If you’re shy, a loud “Keeper” call can be quite challenging. It also lets everyone know your accountable for the next play. However, it keeps you safe, in case the opponent challenges the ball too aggressively - the ref will protect you. It also keeps your teammates from trying to head or clear the ball when you have a chance to keep possession.
DON’T: Call for the ball by yelling “I got it.” Anyone on either team can yell “I got it.” By yelling “Keeper” your opponents might back off because of the referee or because they don’t want to get hit by you. Your team will back off because they want to keep possession of the ball.
DO: Use “away” rather than “clear.” It may seem obvious to some, but many goalkeepers still use the command “clear” or “clear it” when they want their team to get the ball away from the goal, but it “clear it” sounds very similar to “Keeper” and could cause your team a goal. ”Away” is easy to shout and easier to understand.
DON’T: Be a cheerleader. Motivation is great for your team, but don’t become the team cheer leader. If you constantly yell “good shot” or “nice pass” your team will zone you out. And when the time comes for you to snag a cross, your team may not hear your keeper call.
DO: Use different tones depending on the situation. Your keeper, away, and marking calls should be the loudest and stand out from when you call for a pass back.
DON’T: Be general when you try to get your defenders to mark up. Just shouting “mark up” doesn’t help your team. Be as specific as possible – tell Jim or Tina to mark #5. Always use your teammate’s name first so it grabs their attention as opposed to “#5, Tina” or “Away, Tina!” By calling a teammates name and matching it to a number – it gives them accountability. If Jim is told to mark #5, your team and coaches will know. Jim has no excuse if he doesn’t mark #5.
DO: Take the time to go over your communication choices with your team. Everyone should be involved – coaches, forwards, midfielders, and defenders. Your forwards may not be in your own 18 yard box very much, but it’s important that they know how you communicate in case of free kicks or corner kicks. Also, your coach could always switch the lineup or formation.
3 comments
eireburner says:
March 10, 2010 at 4:45 pm (UTC 0 )
I am not a goalkeeper, but these are great tips, especially for young players trying to develop their position. I think that coaches don’t put enough emphasis in ensuring potential goalkeepers know how important it is for them to be vocal with their back line!
Amy Sedatole says:
August 19, 2010 at 2:26 pm (UTC 0 )
What advice would you give a younger keeper (U12) regarding communication tone? I have noticed that his tone sometimes may sound negative to the defense and they begin to ignore him. Any suggestions?
Taylor Welty says:
May 20, 2011 at 7:50 pm (UTC 0 )
Thank you for these tips. I hate talking back their in the goal because im afraid my team will get mad at me if I tell them what to do.