English for players: On-pitch communication

This week's Premier Skills English Podcast focuses on English for players; the language that players need. In this episode, Jack talks about communication skills, specifically language and skills that players need to give and receive instructions on the pitch and also leadership language that captains, key players and coaches need.

Listen to the podcast and then complete the language tasks. After that, there's a task for you to complete and the mystery football phrase. 

Other remote video URL

If you find the podcast difficult to understand, you can read the transcript and listen at the same time.

Read the transcript and listen at the same time.
Savinho gives two thumbs up during the match between Manchester City and Newcastle United

Savinho gives two thumbs up during the match between Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Activity 1: Match the short phrases with the longer descriptions

Lucas Paqueta points instructions during the match between West Ham United and Brentford.

Lucas Paqueta points instructions during the match between West Ham United and Brentford.

Activity 2: Drag the phrases into the correct categories

Task: English for fans

Next week, the focus of the podcast will be English for fans who are watching football on TV and online. 

Can you think of any difficult or funny phrases that commentators have used? 

Can you think of any funny phrases that players or managers have used?

Let us know in the comments section at the bottom of the page. 

If you are feeling confident, you could also try leaving a message on the Premier Skills English WhatsApp. Leave us a message and you might be part of next week's podcast.

Number: +44 7768 645003 

QR code for Premier Skills English WhatsApp

https://wa.me/447768645003

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Hi Jack! Good Luck to everybody!

Hi Alex - thanks. Have you moved?

I really like the new website, and it’s great to see it now as part of the Premier League’s official site. I’ve been a listener since the pandemic but rarely left any comments, however, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and share my thoughts this time.

This week’s word has to be ***! Admittedly, I didn’t know that was the term for the garment used in sports practice, but when you gave the clue about it being something put around a baby’s neck, I immediately got it.

As for funny phrases used by commentators, there’s a famous ESPN commentator who sometimes sings when a player scores. It always cracks me up because he usually bases it on real songs but gives them a funny twist. I also remember a commentator in the EA Sports football game who pronounced Griezmann with a Spanish accent, claiming that the player basically dreamt and even talked to his dog in Spanish.

Love the podcast, keep up the great work!

Hi Nicolas
It's fantastic to read your comment. I'm delighted to see you here.
I think that the commentators in the UK have become quite boring over the last few years. We had some good commentary for the Olympics in Paris, they were very funny, but for Premier League matches it's very serious and business like.
I hope you enjoy the new podcast.

Hi Jack, I've just discovered your podcast, and I’m really enjoying it! I’m listening from Peru, and in South America, it's quite difficult to hear English football commentators. However, thanks to TikTok clips, I discovered Peter Drury, his commentary is pure poetry. One of my favourite funny moments was when he said :"That is playstation football. It's ridiculous, you cannot do that without a joystick." He said this after Salah's goal against Manchester City.
I hope to one day visit the legendary stadiums of the Premier League teams. Looking forward to more episodes!

Hi Mireya
It's great to have you here on the site. What kind of dog is that in your picture?
I will listen to some more Peter Drury commentary. When I was making the podcast, I listened to quiet a lot of commentary and I've been taking notes and I was quite disappointed by most of the commentators. I mean, they do a good job, but they have a reputation for using richer language than I was able to find.
My favourite line this weekend was about Elanga's goal:
Elanga couldn’t believe how the seas just parted in front of him.
I love that the commentator managed to get a casual biblical reference into a description of a goal.
Thanks again for commenting.