Goalkeeper communication requires assertiveness and leadership. Keepers need to be clear, loud, and direct at all times in order to organise their team to defend against attacks from the opposition.
In many ways, goalkeepers are the “default” team captains, leading both in the box and on the pitch. Effective verbal communication is not just a natural skill but also a vital one that can be honed and refined over time.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important verbal instructions and phrases that goalkeepers should use in different game situations.
Basic Calls for Clear Action
“Keeper”
When to use: To claim the ball.
“Keeper” is the definitive shout that tells your teammates the ball is yours to claim. This call is essential during set pieces or high balls in open play when it’s clear that your intervention will reduce the risk of a goal. By shouting “Keeper,” you ensure your defenders know to avoid interfering with your movement, giving you the space needed to make a confident claim.
Judging when to call for the ball takes experience, but as a rule of thumb, take control when your action will decisively clear the danger.
“Away”
When to use: To instruct defenders to clear the ball.
“Away” signals to your defenders that they need to clear the ball out of the danger zone. This shout is most effective during set pieces, high balls, or situations where defenders have time and space to make an effective clearance.
In high-pressure moments where there is absolutely no way for you to intervene, a shorter, sharper call like “Clear!” may be more effective. This quick command signals to your defenders that immediate action is required, leaving no doubt that they must take full responsibility for dealing with the situation.
Clear, direct communication with “Away” or “Clear!” ensures that your defenders act decisively, preventing unnecessary confusion or hesitation in critical moments.
Organising the Defence
“Push Up” or “Drop”
When to use: To instruct your team to press or defend.
As the goalkeeper, you have the best view of the entire pitch and can judge the game’s tempo better than anyone. Use “push up” to tell your defenders to press higher up the pitch when your team is in possession or after a clearance. Conversely, “drop” or “get back” should be used when your team needs to retreat and defend, especially against counter-attacks or long balls played over the top.
For example, if you see a player preparing to play a ball over the top to an unmarked opponent, shout “drop” to warn your defenders to cover and avoid being caught out. You can also specify players by name, such as “push up, Lewis!”
“Goal Side”
When to use: To instruct a defender to position themselves between the attacker and the goal.
It’s critical that defenders stay goal side of their opponents to prevent them from shooting or crossing without obstruction. A common mistake is defenders getting caught out of position, which leaves attackers with a clear path to goal. By shouting “goal side,” you remind your defenders to cover the most dangerous areas of the pitch.
“Offside!”
When to use: to instruct defenders to play the offside trap.
If you see the opposition striker in an offside position and your defenders are in position to execute an offside trap, this shout can help alert them to step up at the right time.
“Mark Him/Her!” or “Tight!”
When to use: to make sure a defender stays close to an opposing player.
If a defender isn’t tracking their man properly, a “mark him!” or “tight!” shout will remind them to stay close to their opponent and prevent any easy space for a shot or pass.
Controlling the Ball and Play
“Back” or “Home”
When to use: To call for a back pass.
If a defender is under pressure and needs to play the ball back to you rather than risk a misplaced pass, shouting “back” or “home” makes you an available option. This is especially useful when your team is deep in your half and you’re the safer outlet.
“Player Name”
When to use: To direct a ball to a specific teammate.
When distributing the ball to your teammates, calling out their names ensures that they know the ball is intended for them. This prevents confusion and ensures that multiple players don’t chase the same ball, which could result in collisions or missed opportunities.
“Time!”
When to use: to inform your teammate they have time to make a decision.
This is especially useful in situations when the ball is at a player’s feet but they might feel rushed. Shouting “time” can calm them down, making them aware they have more time to find a pass or make a decision.
“Slow it Down!” or “Take Your Time!”
When to use: to tell a teammate to take more time with the ball, especially in a pressured situation.
Shouting “slow it down” or “take your time” helps calm the situation and allows for a more composed decision.
Dealing with Opponents and Pressure
“Man On” or “Right Shoulder”, “Left/Right”
When to use: To warn a player about an incoming opponent.
Goalkeepers need to alert their defenders, especially when an opponent is closing them down. “Man on” is the standard call, but you can be more specific by adding directions, such as “man on, right shoulder” or “man on, left shoulder,” to give your teammate a clearer idea of where the pressure is coming from.
“Contain”
When to use: To tell a player to hold their position and slow down the attacker.
There are times when it’s more beneficial for a defender to contain the attacker rather than rush into a challenge. By shouting “contain,” you’re instructing your teammate to delay the attacker’s progress and buy time for the rest of the team to recover. This is particularly important during counter-attacks, where rushing in can result in a dangerous one-on-one situation.
“Watch the Cross!”
When to use: to alert defenders to an incoming cross.
If the ball is coming into the box from wide, it’s crucial to warn your defenders to be ready for the cross. You can combine this shout with “watch the man!” to ensure they’re aware of both the ball and the opposing player.
“Second Ball!”
When to use: to indicate that your team needs to focus on any loose balls after an initial clearance.
When the first clearance is made, there may be a second ball that needs to be won. A shout of “second ball!” helps your team focus on winning that next opportunity.
Managing Set Pieces and High Balls
“Wall. X People. Left/Right… Stop!”
When to use: To organise a wall for a free kick.
Organising a defensive wall for a free kick requires quick and precise instructions. First, shout “wall!” to alert your players to form up. Then, state how many players you need in the wall, like “four people!” If needed, call out specific names to position the players correctly. Once the wall is set, direct them with “left” or “right” and shout “stop!” to ensure it is in place.
“Front Post”, “Back Post”, “Penalty Spot”, “Edge of the Box”
When to use: To defend specific areas during corners or set pieces.
When defending set pieces, particularly corners, it’s crucial to direct your players to the right positions. Shouts like “front post” or “back post” tell your defenders where to cover, while “penalty spot” or “edge of the box” indicate specific threats to mark. You should assign these positions before the set piece is taken so everyone is ready to react.
“Get Ready!”
When to use: to prep your defenders for a set piece, cross, or a high ball.
This is a general shout to prepare your team for an imminent aerial challenge or a set-piece delivery. It gets players focused and ready to react.
Encouragement and Motivation
“Good Job”, “Keep Working”, “Last Five”, “No Slacking”
When to use: To offer encouragement and keep your team motivated.
Encouragement is essential to maintaining your team’s energy levels throughout the match. Simple shouts like “good job” or “keep working” can keep players motivated, especially during the final stages of the game. As the goalkeeper, you have the chance to lift your team’s spirits, ensuring they remain focused and don’t slack off.
“Stay Alert”, “Focus”
When to use: To offer constructive feedback.
Instead of berating your teammates, focus on positive, action-driven feedback to keep the team engaged and sharp.
Supporting and Covering Each Other
“Cover” or “Sweeper”
When to use: to instruct a teammate to cover an opponent or an area.
“Cover” helps alert a defender to provide support if they lose the ball. If you’re the last line of defence, “sweeper” is useful when the ball is loose or outside the box.
“Switch”
When to use: to alert players that they should change position, particularly in defence.
If you see an attacking player changing direction or an unmarked player in space, shouting “switch” helps alert your teammates to react accordingly and cover new threats.
Conclusion: The Power of Effective Communication
Effective communication as a goalkeeper is vital to organising your defence and ensuring your team performs at its best. The more you play with the same group, the easier it becomes to predict your teammates’ movements and reactions, allowing you to fine-tune your instructions.
To keep control of the game, your communication must always be clear, concise, and confident. In doing so, you’ll be able to lead your team to greater defensive success.