How to Pick Captains for a Soccer Team

When looking to create a good team bond from a disparate group of soccer players, it is a good idea for the coach to select good captains in order to maintain discipline in the group, to relay tactical developments during a game, and to keep movement from exercise to exercise as efficient as possible. This article looks at some ideas on selecting the right personnel for this important role in any soccer team.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look within the group for natural leaders. Sometimes these players will lead quietly by example with their behavior and level of play; other times they will be strong vocal personalities. Either way, these personality types will be the most obvious choice for a captaincy.

    • 2

      Decide whether the team will have one captain or many captains--but no more than three. Large squads will probably benefit more from having three captains, as this allows the squad to be broken into smaller groups. Breaking the team into smaller groups can often make practice more efficient.

    • 3

      Decide whether the captains, if more than one, will be co-captains or a head-captain and a vice-captain or captains. Again, the larger the squad, the more sensible it is to delegate leadership to more than one person. Conversely, for a smaller squad, it probably makes sense to have two co-captains or one head captain and a vice-captain.

    • 4

      Observe all possible candidates for captain's roles, and judge them on their presence in the team, the reaction of their teammates towards them, and the methods they use to exert their natural authority on their teammates.

    • 5

      Once a decision has been reached, announce the captains at an opportune time when every player is present. Explain the reasons why the specific player or players were chosen, and make sure everyone on the team supports the decision.