6 ways to get your players talking to each other

Communication is the key to working as a team. Whether it’s shouting encouragement, calling for a pass or organising the defence at a set-piece, your players need to talk to each other on the pitch.

A simple move like Score from crosses looks easy but it is a great way to get players talking and combining in attacking areas. In Sweeper game if the communication is poor or the defenders don’t listen to their sweeper, the attackers will breakthrough.

"Put information on the pass" is a term you can use to encourage your players to communicate when passing the ball. Find out more at Info on the Pass from my Soccer Tactics Made Simple book.

For the younger age groups, Robocop is a fun walking game that helps make youngsters aware of their team mates and gets them talking to each other.

For something a bit more complex try Four team dribble, which I consider to be the ultimate team game as players must work together to navigate through the chaos.

Finally, small-sided games like 2v2 around the world are brilliant for getting players to understand that constant communication is essential to keeping the ball and scoring goals.

Score from crosses
Sweeper game
Info on the Pass
Watch England warming up for Russia in training
Four team dribble
2v2 around the world