Contact Help center
Football Football
HOME Football Coaching Trends SEARCH

Football: communication

communication DRILLS
View All

1, 2, 3 Pass and Move

There are two triangles in this drill, both using the same top point player (player 5). Players in the top triangle pass in an anti-clockwise direction and players in the lower triangle pass in a clock-wise direction. Both pairs of players must use the middle player as their third passing option.

Passing and Receiving

4 Goal Channelling

6 vs 6 game with 2 Floaters (who can play for whichever team has the ball). Set up an area the size of one half of the pitch. In each corner and in the middle, position 2 cones to make 5 mini goals. Also have 6 players stood around the outside of the area, who the ball can be passed to and from. After the first game, switch one of the teams out and have the outside 6 come in and form a team. Rotate round like this so they each play each other. Play 3 mins each of attacking, 3 times (9 mins in total each, 27 mins overall).

Defending

Communication Drill

Set up your team in a small sided game on a pitch running from the edge of the penalty area to the half-way line. Play normal rules except for the fact that during the drill, players are not allowed to talk during the game. Players cannot call for the ball, tell a player where to go or where they want the ball passed to. This really emphasises the importance of communication. If a player does speak, then a free-kick is given to the opposite team.

Conditioned games

Defensive Pressure

Play 3 v 3 in the middle area with goalkeepers stationed in each of the goals. Balls are placed around the field so that as soon as a ball goes out, the closest ball is played in. As soon as a player receives the ball from the goalkeeper or an outfield teammate, he should attempt a shot on goal. The defending team must attempt to pressure the ball carrier and closely mark all other attacking players.

Defending

Keep Passing to Shoot

3 teams of 6: red blue and yellow. Set up an area starting at the edge of the penalty box, 44 yards wide and about 20 yards long. 2 teams start in the area with the other team spaced evenly around the edge. Games of 6 vs 6 using the outside players as extras for whichever team has the ball: 3 minute rotation (including the players on the outside) The aim of this is for teams to keep possession of the ball for as long as possible. The players on the outside are 2 touch only. Have a goal at each end with Goalkeepers. The 2 outside players (yellow) nearest the top goal are numbered "1" and those nearest the bottom goal are numbered "2". One team attacks towards the end with the "1" players, the other towards the "2" players. Once a team in the area has had 6 consecutive passes then they can play the ball to the players "1" or "2" and then can enter the penalty area to shoot at goal. Players "1" or "2" only have 2 touches to pass to the player running in. If players aren't getting enough opportunities to take shots, due to not breaking through Defence then each team can shoot in both goals. This will create more space for both of them. 6 games, so each team plays the others twice.

Possession

Keeping Possession

3 teams of 6: red blue and yellow. Set up an area starting at the edge of the penalty box, 44 yards wide and about 20 yards long. 2 teams start in the area with the other team spaced evenly around the edge. Games of 6 vs 6 using the outside players as extras for whichever team has the ball: 3 minute rotation (including the players on the outside) The aim of this is for teams to keep possession of the ball for as long as possible. The players on the outside are 2 touch only. 6 games, so each team plays the others twice.

Possession

Passing by Numbers

Players number themselves from one-eight (or as many numbers as there are players). Players must then pass in numerical order. Although they can attempt to memorise the passing order it's far more beneficial if the players call out and communicate to one another. So once player two has the ball, player 3 should be calling the receive the pass.

Passing and Receiving

Short Corner - Running with the Ball

A player at back end of 18-yard area gives initial signal for type of corner to be taken (one hand or two hands up for example). The corner taker then relays this signal to the rest of the team. Their team-mates in the box should have different roles, depending on their position. The player who gave the signal should run to receive the ball from corner taker, and runs with it before shooting or passing.

Crossing and Finishing

Six Goal Game

Set up six goals on a full-size pitch (use cones/poles for goals), a small goal at each corner of the pitch and a further two goals on each side of the half-way line. Players score 1 point for their team every time they pass or dribble through the goal on the half-way line and two points for every goal scored in the goals on the corners.

Conditioned games

Team Crossing and Finishing Drill 2

The crossing player starts with the ball on the half-way line before coming forward and playing one-two's with the players in the cones, while continuing their run forward down the wing. After recieving the second pass, the crosser will now cross into the box, where two attackers will try to beat two defenders and a goalkeeper to the ball and score. The attackers start in the coned area outside the penalty area and sprint into the box once the crosser has received their second pass.

Crossing and Finishing

Communication Drill Passing an...

Set up your team in a small sided game on a pitch running from the edge of the penalty area to the half-way line.Play normal rules except for the fact that during the drill, players are not allowed to talk during the game. Players cannot call for the ball, tell a player where to go or where they want the ball passed to. This really emphasises the importance of communication. If a player does speak, then a free-kick is given to the opposite team.

General

Communication Drill Conditione...

Set up your team in a small sided game on a pitch running from the edge of the penalty area to the half-way line.Play normal rules except for the fact that during the drill, players are not allowed to talk during the game. Players cannot call for the ball, tell a player where to go or where they want the ball passed to. This really emphasises the importance of communication. If a player does speak, then a free-kick is given to the opposite team.

General

Passing by Numbers Passing and...

Players number themselves from one-eight (or as many numbers as there are players). Players must then pass in numerical order. Although they can attempt to memorise the passing order it's far more beneficial if the players call out and communicate to one another. So once player two has the ball, player 3 should be calling the receive the pass.

General

Short Corner - Running with th...

A player at back end of 18-yard area gives initial signal for type of corner to be taken (one hand or two hands up for example). The corner taker then relays this signal to the rest of the team.Their team-mates in the box should have different roles, depending on their position. The player who gave the signal should run to receive the ball from corner taker, and runs with it before shooting or passing.

General

Defensive Pressure Defending -...

Play 3 v 3 in the middle area with goalkeepers stationed in each of the goals. Balls are placed around the field so that as soon as a ball goes out, the closest ball is played in. As soon as a player receives the ball from the goalkeeper or an outfield teammate, he should attempt a shot on goal. The defending team must attempt to pressure the ball carrier and closely mark all other attacking players.

General

2 strikers, 3 shots Shooting -...

Have a mannequin on the edge of the penalty circle, and another in line with it out, out at the left hand corner of the penalty box.Players positioned on cones 1, 2 and 3 as shown in the diagram, each with a ball.Player 1 dribbles a ball to the mannequin in front of them, feints one way then moves the ball the other way to shoot. The Player then runs back towards the next mannequin and receives the ball from Player 2. Player 2 runs up to the right of the mannequin and Player 1 lays the ball off to them to take a shot.Both players then run in to receive a cross from Player 3, on the outside right. (Player 1 takes front post, Player 2 back)

General

Football: Team Crossing and Fi...

The crossing player starts with the ball on the half-way line before coming forward and playing one-two's with the players in the cones, while continuing their run forward down the wing. After recieving the second pass, the crosser will now cross into the box, where two attackers will try to beat two defenders and a goalkeeper to the ball and score. The attackers start in the coned area outside the penalty area and sprint into the box once the crosser has received their second pass.

General

Pressing Triggers: The Secret ...

General

9 v 9 Wide Play Passing and Re...

Setup: 50 x 40 with wide zone for full backs / wingersExplanation: Ball starts with either the coach or either GK.Once the ball is in play, the defending team are tasked with getting immediate pressure on the ball from front to back.1st and 2nd defenders show press aggressively and force the opposition to play backwards or side wards or long.Look for clear communication from players in positions behind to help support the closest players to the ball.Aim is to win the ball back and counter attack quickly or regain controlled possession.

General

Keep Passing to Shoot Possessi...

3 teams of 6: red blue and yellow.Set up an area starting at the edge of the penalty box, 44 yards wide and about 20 yards long.2 teams start in the area with the other team spaced evenly around the edge.Games of 6 vs 6 using the outside players as extras for whichever team has the ball: 3 minute rotation (including the players on the outside)The aim of this is for teams to keep possession of the ball for as long as possible.The players on the outside are 2 touch only.Have a goal at each end with Goalkeepers. The 2 outside players (yellow) nearest the top goal are numbered "1" and those nearest the bottom goal are numbered "2".One team attacks towards the end with the "1" players, the other towards the "2" players.Once a team in the area has had 6 consecutive passes then they can play the ball to the players "1" or "2" and then can enter the penalty area to shoot at goal.Players "1" or "2" only have 2 touches to pass to the player running in.If players aren't getting enough opportunities to take shots, due to not breaking through Defence then each team can shoot in both goals. This will create more space for both of them.6 games, so each team plays the others twice.

General

Keeping Possession Possession ...

3 teams of 6: red blue and yellow.Set up an area starting at the edge of the penalty box, 44 yards wide and about 20 yards long.2 teams start in the area with the other team spaced evenly around the edge.Games of 6 vs 6 using the outside players as extras for whichever team has the ball: 3 minute rotation (including the players on the outside)The aim of this is for teams to keep possession of the ball for as long as possible.The players on the outside are 2 touch only.6 games, so each team plays the others twice.

General

3 v 2 Crossing and Finishing -...

Set up 2 goals 10-15m apart. Divide in to 2 groups and line up either side of the goals.3 from one side and 2 from the other enter.The 3 must beat the defender and score

General

Pass Around The Corner Passing...

Set up a square roughly 10m x 10m.Have a few players at each corner.A Player (1) from one corner runs clockwise around the square with a ball; halfway to the next corner they pass to the Player (2) at this corner. Player 2 passes immediately back to the Player 1 and starts running clockwise to the next corner.Player 1 passes the ball on to the Player (3) at the corner in front of Player 2. Player 3 then passes to Player 2 and starts running.Player 2 passes to Player 4, who passes to Player 3 who is running towards them. Play moves clockwise, allowing each player to have a few turns.Then play anti-clockwise.

General

1, 2, 3 Pass and Move Passing ...

There are two triangles in this drill, both using the same top point player (player 5). Players in the top triangle pass in an anti-clockwise direction and players in the lower triangle pass in a clock-wise direction. Both pairs of players must use the middle player as their third passing option.

General

Cone collectors Conditioned ga...

Get your players to stand an equal distance around the cones in the middle. There should be one less cone than there are players - so in this instance there are 10 cones and 11 players. On the coach's call players sprint into the middle and try to collect a cone. Once players have collected a cone they should run back to their starting position.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
communication DRILL CATEGORIES
View All
Conditioned games Drills
Passing and Receiving Drills
Possession Drills
Conditioned games Drills
Passing and Receiving Drills
Possession Drills
communication SESSIONS
View All

Team Possession Confidence

This simple all-ages plan is designed to improve your players' on the ball confidence and team communication.

6 Conditioned Games

6 conditioned games with purpose, guaranteed to bring a smile to your players' faces and improve key areas of their game including possession, communication and attack.

Making the Pass Playable

Take things back to basics and nail down the simple skills to play with fluidity. Pass, dribble and receive with a quality with this session that sharpens your players basics.

Attacking with an Extra Man

Create an overload in attack by providing support to attack with an extra man. Use this session to help your forwards plus develop your defenders defending capabilities with one less player.

Keeping Possession

Reduce the turnovers and get your team working up the field by keeping possession and building attacks by selecting the right pass.

Make your Corners Count!

Set pieces need to be made the most of in a match. This plan will make those corners count, and improve the communication between your players

Dealing with Long Shots

Goalkeeper positioning is vital when dealing with shots from long range. Develop your keepers concentration, positioning and movement to be solid behind the speculative efforts

Attacking Play within SSG

Get your players playing in small groups and transfer it to the match to work the ball up the field progressively.

Passing, Receiving & Combining to Attack

Set up attacks by encouraging your players to show for the ball and make/receive a pass with confidence.

Defending - Pressing

Press high and defend from the front. Teach your players how to nullify the oppositions outlet and win the ball high up the pitch with this session.

Retreating Defence

If it breaks down in the middle, your players need to be thinking about recovering straight away. Make it a habit with this session.

Pressing in the Defending Half

All the great teams do it, win the ball back as soon as you’ve lost it by pressing as a team in small units and as a team ready to set up another attack.

Prevent Opponents Playing Through Midfield

Sometimes you have to play negatively. If their midfield gets on top of you, it’s time to break it down and stop them playing.

Playing Out From The Back

Build your attacks from back to front with patience, skill and quality understanding between the players.

Combination Play for U9s and under

Use this junior session to develop positive passing, support runs and highlight the importance of good verbal communication.

Short Range Finishing | Footba...

We all love a goal scorer, a poacher who always pops up with a goal when it’s needed. Give them the skills to be that striker with this session.

Counter Attacking from Midfiel...

Beat the opposition on the break by attacking at pace and exploiting the space on the counter-attack. Work on the timing and control when finishing to end it with a goal.

Team Defending | Football Less...

Develop a team mentality that works to win the ball back and swarm in groups. Understand the roles and responsibilities of team defence to shut out the opposition as a unit.
communication ANSWERS
View All

Coach doing my FA Level 2 badge, looking for skill & SSGs on pressing?

hi im currently doing my FA level 2 badge. I have just been given my final topic on " pressing " has any one got any good technique, skill and ssg drills for this. many thanks j

Archived User Coach

How to get players to talk to each other during a game?

How would you encourage your players to start talking to each other during game? This lack of communication at times is a hinderance to their overall play

Archived User Coach

Getting your team to communicate on the field

I coach a high school team and I'm having a hard time reinforcing the habit of regular communication on the field between the players. Does any one have any drill ideas to help reinforce the importance of talking on the field?

Chad Bruns Coach, United States of America

Terminology and communication

I'm a development officer for a women's university football team where we get many different people from all over the world and we seem to struggle with communication and terminology as we say different things from where we are from I was just wondering if anyone had a suggestion on how best to tackle this or any solutions to help the team communicate better?

Joanne Shelton Coach, England

Communication Sessions

Good Evening Does anyone have any good communication sessions? Even if its just a basic man on, turn, time session.Any help appreciated

Christopher Cook Coach, England

No subs-Under 10's 9 a-side

Hi all, due to lack of recruits I only have 9 players this season for my 9 a-side U10 boys team. I have tried very hard looking for recruits but no luck....so far. My season is starting and I have to work with what I have. I just want to see what tips do you have for me? What can I focus on to ensure this is not too much of an disadvantage!

Craig Killian Coach, Australia

New Coach

Hi, I am a long time player, first time coach. I am going to be coaching 13-15YO girls who are very enthusiastic and most of the team have good skills already. We are about to start our 2 months of pre-season training and we are still looking for more players to join the team. There will be a small number of beginners in the group. During the open training session we held, I found they got bored very easily. How can I structure our first few sessions to ensure;1. They want to come back 2. They have fun and get to know each other 3. They feel like I am going to be a good coach that will help them develop their skills. I want to make sure they believe in me as a coach while I get the hang of actually coaching. Very overwhelmed at the moment.

Jaimee Wegner Coach, Australia

communication

i am a under 10-12 coach and i want to work on communication what can i do?

Damon Wessels Coach, United Kingdom

How to promote teamwork in my u9 football team?

I am taking over a u9 team next season and will have some new players and players who are familiar with one and other. how can I promote teamwork in my sessions?also does anyone have good ideas on how to create a positive environment for the kids to give feedback to each other. Many thanks!

Adam Brett Coach, England

Struggling to work alongside coach

I joined my sons football team last year as they were struggling for assistant coach's. However I'm working with someone that is insufferable. he manages two teams and is just generally all over the place. Late to games and training so I'm left to step up. wonders off during games or leaves early. The kids have done brilliantly last few weeks me and the other assistant have stepped in we really seen in a change in the kids. he turns up today and completely changes everything again. Our team lost terribly all the kids look confused as to what's going on and parents were angry. he left early and I'm left to speak to the parents myself. I poor my heart and soul in to this team but I feel I am going to have to walk away. Where do I go from here?

Alex Coach, England

Team pressure as a new coach

I’m a new coach assigned to coach my college faculty, but I believe there would be a lot of pressure and bad energy from students/players. How can I solve this problem peacefully and effectively?

Famuyide Segun Coach, Nigeria

whats te

whats the key teaching points

Hinchingbrooke Students Coach, England

coach

coaching points?

Peter Owino Coach, United Kingdom

Passing

can I have some passing drills?

Hayden Coach, England

panicking when a opposition have the ball near the box

help I need to know some drills that I can do with my U10 on how to stay calm when defending

sean brooks Coach, United Kingdom

variation and progression

what are the variation and progression

vishnu prathap Coach, India

How to get players to talk to ...

How would you encourage your players to start talking to each other during game? This lack of communication at times is a hinderance to their overall play

Archived User Coach

Communication to players and c...

How can I best communicate with my players and couches my plan electronically Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

william Schlicklin Coach, United States of America

Getting your team to communica...

I coach a high school team and I'm having a hard time reinforcing the habit of regular communication on the field between the players. Does any one have any drill ideas to help reinforce the importance of talking on the field?

Chad Bruns Coach, United States of America

Long Ball Defending for U11s H...

I run a U11 team that is reasonably successful and plays with confidence and spends a lot of the time on the front foot. However we seem to get caught week after week by the simple long ball over the top and would welcome some tips/drills to help the lads improve this part (it's driving me mad!). Thanks in advance.

Ian Coach, England
communication COMMUNITY DRILLS
View All

Autosave 86233831

Igra

Autosave 76678528

Autosave 18086910

practise 1

Small Sided Game

Dealing With a Backpass

Dealing with a Backpass

Dealing With a Backpass

Passing through

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ football drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_football
LATEST COACHING TRENDS
High-Intensity Possession for Senior Teams: Keep the Ball, Wear Them Out

High-Intensity Possession for Senior Teams: Keep the Ball, Wear Them Out

Possession without purpose is pointless. These drills combine ball retention with physical conditioning to create teams that dominate and outlast opponents.

December 2025
|
Sportplan Coaching
Attacking Transitions: How to Exploit the 6-Second Window

Attacking Transitions: How to Exploit the 6-Second Window

Teams have just 6 seconds to exploit a turnover before defences reorganise. Learn how to train your players to attack with speed and purpose.

November 2025
|
Sportplan Coaching
Quick Feet and Quick Decisions: U10 Control and Dribbling Drills

Quick Feet and Quick Decisions: U10 Control and Dribbling Drills

The U10 age group is the golden window for developing ball mastery. Miss it, and you're playing catch-up forever. Here's how to get it right.

October 2025
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
fitnesswarm uppassingcornersgoalkeeperpossessionoverlapshootingcrossingbarcaheading3rd man rundribblingsession plansdefendingsoccercreating spacewarm upsfirst touchpre season

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Excellent site with easy to navigate pages.

Lawrence Hanrahan England

The 'My Stuff' feature is amazing! It's a coach's best friend!

Thomas McArdle United Kingdom

Love the site, it's a fantastic learning tool!

Ian Mckellar America

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ football drills
  • create professional football coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested football plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3rd man run barca conditioned games control corners creating space cricket crossing defending dribbling first touch fitness football games goalkeeping heading overlap passing possession pre season search session plans shooting shooting drills soccer team sheet through the gate turning drills warm up warm ups
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of football coaches plus 500+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT