How to Be a Better Captain on the Soccer Field

Soccer captains have few formal responsibilities on the field, beyond usually representing the team at the coin toss to decide which team will kick off. However, the role demands a number of specific qualities, and not every player will be a good captain. The captain is not necessarily the best player on the team but rather the person who can best motivate, support and lead his teammates to play the best game they can.

Instructions

    • 1

      Act as a leader for the team during games. Former England international and Arsenal player Lee Dixon sees a good captain as a natural leader who can take a mental step back when things aren't going well and lift the players around him.

    • 2

      Support your teammates, even if they're not playing well or have made a bad mistake. Criticizing other players is very unlikely to motivate them to play better. Create a positive atmosphere within the team by encouraging a strong team spirit in which everyone supports each other.

    • 3

      Develop your communication skills. A captain acts as a link between the coach and team and helps to direct the team's tactics and strategy on the field. The Better Soccer Coaching website recommends keeping your on-field communication concise because simple instructions are much more likely to be effective in a game situation.

    • 4

      Stay calm and keep your focus in pressured situations. Remaining calm will help you make good decisions and provide an example to your teammates. Openly losing your control motivates the opposing team and is disheartening for your teammates. Jennifer L. Etnier of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro says mental toughness is a key attribute of elite athletes.

    • 5

      Get to know your teammates as both people and players. You've probably played with them for some time, but take time to watch them carefully and think about their strengths and weaknesses. Consider what kind of support helps each player to be at his best. Some players benefit from a few quiet words of advice, while others will thrive on a more vocal approach.

    • 6

      Work hard in training. Part of being a captain is being a role model, and your teammates will respect you more if they see you working hard during practice sessions.