If you’ve ever played or watched a soccer game, you might have heard the players shout ‘man on’ and wondered what on earth they’re talking about!
After all, it does sound like a fairly strange command, particularly if you’re new to the game. So, in this article, we answer the question – what does ‘man on’ mean in soccer? – and help you understand when to use this helpful phrase out on the field.
So, what does ‘man on’ mean in soccer?
In soccer, if you notice that an opponent is closing down your teammate, it’s helpful to shout ‘man on’ to inform him of the presence of the other player. This enables your teammate to react to the lack of time they have on the ball and reduces the risk of losing possession. It’s a really useful phrase as you can’t always see the danger around you on a soccer field, so we explain ‘man on’ in soccer in more detail below.
When should you shout ‘man on’ in soccer?
‘Man on’ is a handy phrase to understand when you’re playing soccer, as it enables you to warn your teammate that an opponent is about to close them down. You should shout ‘man on’ when you’re facing the play and can see what’s happening behind your teammate.
After all, they don’t have eyes in the back of their head, and they might not know that a player is closing them down and attempting to win the ball back. Without a ‘man on’ shout, it’s likely that the opponent will dispossess your teammate and steal possession for their team.
You can use the shout anywhere on the field, but it’s particularly useful when you’re attacking or defending, as these are the areas on the field in which it’s most dangerous to lose possession. If the ball breaks down when you’re in your defensive third, you could end up conceding a goal, so it’s important to let your teammate know if someone is closing them down.
What should you do in a ‘man on’ situation on the soccer field?
If you hear the shout ‘man on’ from one of your teammates, you should note that you don’t have a great deal of time on the ball. It’s a bit like someone shouting ‘hurry up’ or ‘get on with it’ and should make you take your next action quickly.
The ideal play when you hear the ‘man on’ shout is to pass the ball to one of your teammates who is in space. This removes the immediate danger, which then allows you to move into space to receive the ball back and continue with the game.
However, if you hear the call and notice that none of your teammates is in space, it’s perhaps best to clear the ball down the field, particularly if you’re defending. Alternatively, you could attempt to shield the ball from your opponent, and you could even try and win a free-kick if you feel contact.
Whatever action you take, it’s important not to panic when you hear the ‘man on’ shout, as you are more likely to lose the ball when you’re flustered. Just keep calm and make a quick decision, and you should be okay!
How to lose your marker in soccer?
While it’s common to hear a ‘man on’ shout when you’re least expecting an opponent to be around you, you might also hear the shout at a set play like a corner kick. This could be your teammate’s way of telling you to try and lose your marker so you can increase your chances of scoring a goal.
The key to losing your marker in this situation is to not stand still and keep on your toes. After all, you’re really easy to mark if you’re flat-footed and not trying to lose your marker. Particularly at set plays, you can try different runs to try and find some free space.
So, if you hear a ‘man on’ shout, it’s your job to try and lose your marker as quickly as you can. This will free you up to receive the ball from a teammate and will help you build an attack without running the risk of losing possession to an opponent.
What should women shout instead of ‘man on’ in soccer?
It’s funny because I’ve refereed lots of women’s games of soccer, and I’ve heard them shout ‘man on’ during the game. While this might sound strange, it’s because the term originated in men’s soccer, and in the heat of the moment during the game, it’s just easy for women to use the same term.
However, I’ve also heard female players use the term ‘girl on’ and ‘player on,’ which mean the same thing. You can decide on a term you feel most comfortable with and use it with your teammates.
Remember, the key thing is to warn your teammate that someone is about to shut them down and potentially steal possession from your team, so the term that you use doesn’t matter so much, as long as the key message is relayed!
Recap: ‘Man on’ in soccer
‘Man on’ is a common term in soccer, and it is used to warn your teammates that an opponent is closing them down. When you hear the shout, you should take action quickly, or you are likely to lose possession for your team.
So, if you hear your teammates screaming ‘man on’ during an upcoming game, you now know why they’re shouting at you, and you can take the necessary steps to retain the ball for your team.