Calling for the Ball Small-Sided Game
Communication
Legend
- player
- partner / opponent
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Practice specific verbal calls ('pressure,' 'turn,' 'time,' 'switch') during a competitive small-sided game.
What you need
- cones
- soccer ball
- scrimmage vests
- goals
Your focus
Soccer communication involves specific terms that carry tactical meaning. Embedding these calls into a game context teaches players when each phrase is appropriate and builds the automatic verbal habit needed to support teammates in real matches.
Teach four calls before the game: 'pressure,' 'Turn,' 'Time,' 'Switch.'
Play a 4v4 game in a 25x20 yard grid with goals.
Every time a player uses one of the four calls, their team gets a bonus pass-and-score opportunity.
Coach signals when a call was appropriate and well-timed.
At halftime, review one example of a great call and one missed opportunity.
Play second half, count total calls per team.
Goal
It's clicking when the right call goes out before the situation happens, not after, 'turn!' arrives while there's still time to turn. You're reading one step ahead.
Helpful cues
- Call early, late information is useless information
- 'pressure' when the defender is within a stride
- Make eye contact before you call, they need to know it's for them
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Focus on only one call per game ('pressure' only) to build depth before breadth.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
A player who receives the ball but gets no call must immediately play it back, forces teammates to communicate.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.