Call
A short verbal message between players during play, such as calling for the ball or warning a teammate.
Definition
A call is a brief spoken message players use to coordinate during a game — asking for a pass, warning of pressure, organising a defence or naming a set play. Good calling lets teammates share information instantly about things they cannot all see, and clear, early, loud calls are a hallmark of well-drilled teams. A louder or more urgent call is often described as a shout.
Calling is a coached skill: teams agree on standard words and on who has priority to call in shared situations, such as which player claims a high ball. It should not be confused with an official's call — the referee's or umpire's ruling on a point of play, such as a line call in racket and net sports deciding whether the ball landed in or out.
Where you’ll hear “call”
Sports that use this term:
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Volleyball
A non-contact team sport of rallies, jumps and teamwork — indoors or on the beach.
Basketball
A fast, dynamic team sport of running, jumping and quick decisions on court.
Tennis
A singles or doubles racquet sport that blends agility, strategy and stamina on court.
Cricket
A bat-and-ball team sport where sides take turns to bat and to bowl and field, scoring runs.
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Sports communication
- Calling for the ballLetting a teammate know you are open and want the pass — usually a short, clear call made at the right moment.
- Defensive communicationTalking and signalling on defence — organising who marks whom, calling switches and warning teammates — to stay coordinated without the ball.
- Active listeningGenuinely taking in what a teammate or coach is communicating — not just hearing it — so the message actually lands.
- Signalling availabilityShowing a teammate you are open and ready to receive — often through movement, body position or a gesture rather than a shout.
- Non-verbal communicationSharing information without words — through body language, eye contact, gestures and agreed hand signals — often faster or quieter than a call.
Officiating
- Self-OfficiatingThe convention, central to golf and common in other sports, that players apply the rules to themselves and call their own penalties.
- Foul callA foul call is an official's ruling that a player broke a rule of contact or conduct, triggering a penalty such as a free kick, free throw or penalty.
- Out-of-Bounds CallAn official's ruling that the ball or a player in possession has left the legal playing area, stopping play and handing a restart or possession to the opponent.
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- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-09-01
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