I recently stepped into a JV coaching role, and I’ll be the first to admit: it’s been a struggle at times. One challenge that stands out at the U14 level is getting players to consistently communicate on the field.

 

This post is all about tackling that issue. We’ll look at why communication matters so much at this age, common obstacles players face, and practical drills you can run that force your team to talk.

 

Players often know the right decisions, but if they aren’t talking to each other, those decisions break down. At this age, the game moves faster, spaces close quicker, and players need to trust one another enough to speak up. The problem is, many teenagers are naturally quiet, worried about saying the wrong thing, or simply not used to using their voice in the game.

 

So how do we fix this? By designing practices with drills and warm-ups that make communication non-negotiable and help even the quietest players find their voice.

 

Why Communication Matters at U14

 

  • Decision-making speed: Players can’t rely on just seeing what’s around them—hearing teammates gives them information quicker.
  • Building confidence: When players speak up and are heard, they start to believe in their leadership on the field.
  • Reducing mistakes: A simple “man on,” “time,” or “switch” saves countless turnovers.
  • Team chemistry: Talking binds the group together. It turns a collection of players into a team.

 

5 Drills That Force Communication

 

1. Silent Possession → With a Twist

  • Set up a rondo or 5v3 possession game.
  • Players must call the name of their teammate before passing.
  • No call = turnover.
👉 Simple, effective, and immediately louder.

2. Blind Defender Drill

  • Pair players: one attacker, one defender.
  • Defender briefly closes eyes or lightly covers them with a pinnie.
  • A teammate guides them with instructions: “Step left, drop, pressure.”
👉 Emphasizes how powerful communication is when vision is limited.

3. Numbers Game

  • Assign numbers to each player.
  • Coach calls a number—those players run in to play 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3.
  • Teammates on the sideline must shout instructions to their number.
👉 Forces players to support vocally even when they’re not directly involved.

 

4. Call-It Before Receiving Drill

  • In passing patterns or rondos, players must say their next action before the ball arrives.
  • Examples: “One touch back,” “Turn,” “Switch.”
  • No call = loss of possession or a small consequence.
👉 Builds the habit of thinking out loud.

5. Freeze & Recall Scrimmage

  • Run a normal scrimmage.
  • Every few minutes, shout “FREEZE!”
  • Ask a random player: “What did you hear? Who was talking to you?”
👉 Accountability check. If they can’t remember, the team knows it needs to be louder.

Essential Coaching Equipment for U14 Practices

 

 

Bonus: Top 3 Communication Warm-Ups

Warming up is the perfect time to set the tone. Instead of going through the motions quietly, get your players talking early with these communication-focused warm-ups:

 

1. Name-Call Passing Circle

  • Players stand in a large circle.
  • One ball starts, and before passing, the passer must shout the receiver’s name.
  • Add more balls as they improve.
👉 Builds habit of clear, early communication while warming up first touch.

2. Echo Jog

  • While jogging together in pairs or small groups, one player calls out a command (e.g., “Turn left,” “High knees,” “Shuffle”).
  • Teammates must echo the command loudly as they do it.
👉 Encourages voices right away and makes warm-up fun.

 

3. Commanded Rondo

  • Start with a basic rondo (4v1 or 5v2).
  • Rule: before passing, the player must call out one piece of info: “Time,” “Man on,” or “Switch.”
  • Coach can freeze play and ask: “Who gave you info?”
👉 Reinforces the “see it, say it, play it” cycle.

Practical Tips for Coaches

  • Set the standard early. Communication is a core skill, not an optional extra.
  • Praise the talkers. Encourage the effort, not just the execution.
  • Keep it simple. Stick with three clear commands players can master.
  • Rotate leadership. Make different players responsible for being the loudest voice.

 

Example U14 Session Plan: Building Communication

 

Theme: Forcing Players to Use Their Voice

Objective: Improve communication, awareness, and decision-making in game-like situations.
Duration: 90 minutes

 

1. Dynamic Warm-Up (10 minutes)

  • Echo Jog (from the bonus warm-ups) – Players jog in pairs or small groups. One player calls out the next movement (“high knees,” “side shuffle,” “turn left”), and teammates must echo the command out loud.
👉 Immediate vocal engagement.

2. Name-Call Passing Circle (10 minutes)

  • Players in a large circle, one ball in play (add more as it gets smoother).
  • Must call the name of the teammate before passing.
  • Add challenge: the passer must also call out one command (“turn,” “back,” “time”).
👉 Builds habit of naming and commanding.

 

3. Silent Possession With Name Rule (15 minutes)

  • Set up a 5v3 rondo or small possession grid.
  • Players must say the name of their target before passing.
  • If they forget → turnover.
  • Add progression: the receiver must also call their next action before the ball arrives.
👉 Forces players to think and speak before they play.

4. Numbers Game (20 minutes)

  • Players split into two teams on a small field. Each player gets a number.
  • Coach calls numbers (e.g., “2, 5, 7!”). Those players sprint in to play 3v3.
  • Teammates on the sideline must shout instructions to help their number.
👉 Creates chaos that rewards loud, clear communication.

5. Freeze & Recall Scrimmage (25 minutes)

  • 7v7 or full-sided scrimmage (depending on numbers).
  • Every few minutes, coach yells “FREEZE!”
  • Ask a random player: “What did you hear? Who was talking to you?”
  • If no answer → team has to restart the sequence. If yes → celebrate the talkers.
👉 Reinforces accountability.

6. Cool-Down & Reflection (10 minutes)

  • Light jog + stretches.
  • End with 3 quick reflection questions:
    1. “Who did you hear the most today?”
    2. “What command helped you the most?”
    3. “What’s one thing you’ll say louder next game?”
👉 Embeds the lesson mentally, not just physically.

 

Coaching Tips

  • Keep your energy up—if you’re loud, players will mirror you.
  • Don’t let the drill continue if players aren’t talking. Stop, reset, and demand communication before resuming.
  • Reward the effort to speak, even if the soccer action isn’t perfect.

 

Equipment Needed

 

 

Final Thoughts

I’ll be honest: as a JV coach, I’ve been frustrated when players stay quiet. I know they see the play unfolding, but silence kills momentum. What I’ve learned is that communication isn’t just about soccer—it’s about confidence, personality, and trust.