Communication | Importance of common language, and off-screen stuff

A phrase that gets thrown around a lot in floorball, is the importance of communication. I agree about the importance, what differs between teams is how you make sure that the communication is effective.

Importance of a common language in a team

To me, these are the most important things concerning communication.

• 1) Understanding of the systems used | For a player to communicate well, the player also needs to understand the meaning of the systems used.
• 2) Established language in the team | There needs to be a common ground in terms of words used. In a perfect world, you would get all lines to use the same type of language for the same type of effect.
• 3) Quick communication | There is not often time for a full sentences, you need to find quick ways to get your message across.

Example | Defending one-on-two situations off the rush

A good example of this is how to play defense in one-on-two situations. To apply that to the three things I mentioned above, it would translate like this.

1) Understanding of the systems used

Players and goalie needs to be on the same page in terms of system. Let us pretend that in this example, the team has decided, that the players are allowed to decide if they want to a) push on the ball carrier or b) take away the pass option. It is of course of huge importance, that the defending player and the goalie both know this and understand what will happen tactically, depending on what they choose to do.

2) Established language in the team

An obvious risk here, is that players and goalies on one team, use different ways of communicating the same type of effect. Let us pretend that the goalie says these two things:

1) "Take away the pass"

2) "I have the shot"

They both mean the same thing, but the perspective is not clear for the player. The first comment is pointed towards the player and what the player needs to do. The second one is pointed back to the goalie her- or himself, and would tell the player what the goalie is about to do.

This can lead to confusion, if for an example the player only hears ".....the shot" in the second option, which could lead to the player thinking he or she should take care of the shot.

3) Quick communication

Let us pretend that the team has decided on what wordings to use, and that the goalie always gives instructions to the defending player.

Then it would be sufficient for the goalie to go:

1) "Pass" --> meaning "Take away the pass, I have the shot".

2) "Push" --> meaning "Push on the ball carrier, I will focus on the pass".

And the player would only react to instructions, knowing the perspective is going to be what the player is supposed to do in the situation. And also knowing the words used, and that the communication is quick with single words, but of course understanding the meaning to the short communication, and understand the systems in place.

Communication that takes place off-screen, when watching a floorball broadcast

A lof ot the floorball consumtion we do as coaches and fans of the sport, will of course take place through internet broadcasts. It is such a privilege to be able to follow your favourite team almost everywhere.

But it of course does come with some limitations. The camera decides where you are watching. But let us look at what is happening off-screen, and how much communication matters.

I have started working with AI cameras from Spiideo, that gives huge advantages in terms of getting a holistic view on tactical stuff. Check out the video below about communication while defending, to increase how effective you defend as a team. 👇