You should encourage your players to talk to each other on the field. There are some typical terms that are used in certain circumstances. Some of these are:
- "Man On" (See "Man On")
- "Time" - Means a defender is not nearby & the ballhandler has time to dribble or look for a pass. (i.e., don't rush a play).
- "Keeper" - The goalkeeper might yell this to let teammates know they should move aside & let him have the ball (i.e., so he can pick it up or catch a shot)
- "Back" or "Drop" - Would be yelled by a "trailer" to let a teammate with the ball know that he has support behind him & can play the ball backward if needed.
- "Carry" - Continue to dribble the ball.
- "Pop It" - "Pass To Yourself".
- "Send it" - Send a Through Ball.
- "Switch" - (See "Switch")
The most useful of the above is "Keeper". It's hard to teach these. Perhaps the best thing is to introduce them by U-10 or U-12 & encourage talking in general. Small-sided games encourage talking & are another reason they are so beneficial. (See "Show For The Ball").
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