Three Techniques for Better Coach to Player Communications Part 1

We’ve all seen it: the coach stands on the sidelines shouting orders to the team, but nothing changes on the pitch. The coach repeats the instructions, his voice a little louder this time. Still, no change in the players’ maneuvers. Eventually, the coach’s voice becomes a frantic scream as he becomes frustrated with his players’ apparent refusal to listen. Agitation leads to anger. Why can’t he get the players to listen and follow simple instructions?

If this scenario sounds familiar, then you’re in luck, because here are three simple and effective ways for a coach to communicate more effectively with players.

#1 Do the players understand the directive?

Most of the time, if the players are not following the directive, it’s because they can’t understand it.

Here’s an example: the coach instructs a fullback to get up and support a winger with an overlapping run. However, the fullback runs up the line and stands near the winger, but slightly behind him, because the fullback thinks of his role primarily as a defender. The fullback is correct, his primary role is as a defender, and he should be preventing attacks on the goal. But if the fullback doesn’t understand combination plays and how these create space or opportunity for the winger, then he may choose not to heed the coach’s instruction.

A coach should always create situations that the players can easily decipher, and part of the coach’s role is to help players understand the broader aspects of both how and why various plays might be implemented. This is a positive and proactive approach to coaching, and one that will result in more effective players who have greater understanding of the game and the complexity of their role within it.

#2 Support all demonstrations with key verbal notes!

Verbal notes go beyond visual demonstrations in helping players understand the reasoning behind various directives. When a coach reviews plays through demonstration, additional explanations of why different strategies work will be effective in fostering the players’ understanding of the game. Verbal notes that address why certain plays are beneficial will also build a higher level of confidence in the players, because the actions they are instructed to take will make sense. Think of it this way – when someone asks you to do something that you don’t understand, it’s difficult to approach the action with true confidence.

When coaches speak to players, they should always use clear, understandable language. This should start at strategy meetings, but is especially important during game play. Coaches have been involved in the game far longer than the players, and picking up soccer jargon can take time and make young heads swim! Coaches are well advised to choose language carefully, and should try to consciously use a mixture of jargon and layman’s terms.

Three Techniques for Better Coach to Player Communications Part 2

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