Soccer Glossary - Part 1

"Away!" - indicates that you are under pressure and should clear the ball quickly; typically shouted at defenders in and around their penalty-area. As much as possible I want us to pass our way of dangerous areas, but playing against larger and stronger players some times we just need to clear the ball from danger.

"Man On!" - indicates that an opposing player is fast approaching you. It is most commonly used when a player is approaching from behind or beside a player and they cannot see them. "Man On" should be one of the first phrases you learn to use in a game or practice.

"Movement!" - I shout this if I feel our players aren't moving into positions to receive the ball from the ball carrier. Not all movement off the ball results in that player receiving a pass. Instead the movement may help in creating space for the ball carrier to continue in possession. A good example of this are the diagonal or corner runs I ask you to make when the midfield is coming forward with the ball. This movement creates both a passing option and space for the ball carrier.

"Send It" - usually used to urge the player in possession of the ball to pass the ball forward quickly, usually into space behind the defenders or into the path or feet of our forward. Quick movement of the ball is key to attacking space and getting behind defenders. HINT: Remember that the ball moves quicker than any player can run.

"Time!" - tells you that you can settle the ball, compose yourself and get going because there is no immediate pressure from the opponents. Similar phrases include "take your time" or my own personal favourite "buckets" as in "buckets of time". What we hear too often (especially from coaches!) is "you had more time", which indicates that you panicked when you didn't need to.