The Difference Between Good Communication and Noise on the Soccer Field

As soccer mentors, we meet plenty of athletes who meet the physical requirements for high-level competition. A notably smaller number, however, have devoted just as much effort towards developing their mental game. This is one the main distinguishing factors between high-level soccer players and the rest of the pack.

How do you spot a player with an elite mindset to go along with their elite technical skills? Many coaches would agree that a tell-tale sign is effective communication on the pitch. This shows that a player understands what kind of vocal cues and body language will - and won’t - help their team succeed.

What Does Effective Communication Sound Like in Soccer?

Virtually every youth soccer coach on the planet is familiar with the following scenario: A player has the ball, and then three of their teammates start yelling the player’s name (“Steve! Steve! Steve!”) in an attempt to tell their teammate to pass them the ball.

But instead of passing, Steve just stands still. Why? Because no one has told him to pass them the ball. All he’s heard is his name.

This is a classic example of ineffective communication, or “noise.” Steve’s teammates are not actually telling him what they want him to do. Effective communication provides specific directions, “Again!” “Switch it!” or “Drop it back!”

Let’s say a player wants to take a deep run down the field, and they want their teammate to make a deep pass that will reach them there. This is another common scenario in which someone might just yell “Pass it!”, or yell their teammate’s name. Do either of these phrases accurately describe what they want their teammate to do? A more effective choice of words might be “Send me!”, since this communicates the request for a deep pass.

Effective communication isn’t done just with words either. Using your hand to point to where your teammate should pass you the ball, or pointing towards a player to drop the ball to, is just as effective (as long as your teammate is looking up, of course).

Positive Communication = Effective Communication

Another aspect of effective communication is providing constructive criticism to teammates. When players make mistakes in high-pressure situations, it’s only natural for their teammates to get upset. Vocalizing your frustrations, however, doesn’t exactly help the team.

How does yelling “Why did you do that?”, or “How could you miss?”, prevent this same mistake from happening again?

A more effective thing to say to your teammate might be something like, “Good effort! Let’s do it again.” or, “Next time this happens, let’s do this instead…”.

High-level players don’t chastise their teammates for making mistakes. Their communication is entirely focused on helping their teammates focus and improving the team’s performance. When they aren’t providing specific directions or constructive criticism, they are using positive and encouraging vocal cues and body language. They clap for their teammates, compliment good behavior, and go into each match with a smile on their face.

Coaches and Scouts LOVE Effective Communication

Effective communication looks very impressive to coaches and scouts, and for several reasons. First, it shows that the player is able to use their head in high-pressure situations. It also shows that the player is able to prioritize the team above their own emotional reactions. Lastly, effective communication denotes a positive attitude. The player clearly believes in their team and genuinely wants their teammates to get better. Who wouldn’t want this player on their team?

At Beyond Goals Mentoring, we know that positive internal communication is just as important as effective communication on the field. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping young athletes silence negative self-talk and develop the same positive mindsets as their favorite athletes.

So, if your athlete could benefit from improving their mental side of the game, let’s set up a mentoring session and start building a new internal narrative that actually helps them succeed.