Everton Way Terminology

The Everton Way is a complete Academy programme, developed by coaches at Everton Football Club.

As The Everton Way philosophy develops, so does the language.The language we use is simply a method of communication that we find works well with our players.

If you come across an unfamiliar phrase, check The Everton Way terminology first for a description.

Back foot
The receiving player's foot furthest away from a team mate who passes to him.

Bibs
Bibs are coloured tops that go over the top of your training kit. They are also known as 'pinnys' in some countries.

Check your shoulders
Have a look around. Look for space, opposing players, team mates depending on the situation.

Cushion
An instruction to take the pace off the ball.

Decision
A coaching question to ask if the player has chosen the right technique or pass for any given situation?

Excite me
A prompt for coaches to encourage players to be more inventive.

Eyes on the ball on contact
Eyes should be looking at the ball when the foot makes contact.

Fix your shape
Get your body ready to receive the ball. This is likely to be on the back foot.

Functions
Functions are practices designed to isolate the individual and work specific ally on the are covered by the individual.

Get into line
The player must make sure they are directly in front of the thrower to receive the ball to make sure they are in the best position to control the ball easily.

Get in the gaps
A term used to encourage players to move into gaps between opposing players.

Groups
Groups are a combination of units working together e.g. the two strikers working with the midfield or the midfield working with the back four.

Instep/laces
The area on the top of the foot.

Key points
Key points highlight what a player should concentrate on and what a coach should be looking for. The key points identify important factors for each clip. The key points are set out in a logical order of things to do or action.

Patience
A prompt for coaches to encourage the players to maintain possession and wait for the right opportunity to play forward.

Phase of play
Phase of play is practices that work with units and groups in certain areas of the pitch.

Playing in the hole
Playing in the space behind the oppositions midfield and ahead of the defensive line.

Shaping up
Using body shape to disguise the intention of play.

Take over
This is when one player takes over possession of the ball from a team mate.

Tempo
Increasing the speed of play.

Touch out of feet
A correctly weighted touch of the ball to aid acceleration

Tread the grapes
A term used to tell the younger players to prepare and be ready to move with the ball. When instructed the players should bend their knees slightly, raise their heels of the floor and be ready to move pushing off the balls of their feet.

Units
Units are a core set of players in a match situation e.g. the defence is a unit, as is the attack.

What can you do?
A coaching question to encourage the players to think about the best options available when in control of the ball.

What can you see?
A coaching question to encourage the players to look around for options.

Where can you go?
A coaching question to encourage the players to think about their movement off the ball and where best to run.

Touch tight
The distance a defender should stay in relation to an opposing striker - close enough to reach out and touch.

Yds
Measurement in yards.