Soccer Playing Tip: Check Your Shoulder

A fundamental skill in sports is the ability to analyze situations and make decisions quickly. In soccer, we must be constantly aware of what’s going on around us so that we can make the right decision when we receive the ball and positively impact the game. You can develop this habit by checking your shoulder every time you receive the ball, as demonstrated below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1A-X_4WXTM

When you check your shoulder, you are looking to see where the pressure is coming from and quickly calculating how long it will take for it to arrive. Your goal then becomes to take your first touch away from pressure, as Mihailo does in this video, and either maintain possession or progress the ball forward.

Building this habit will allow you to become a much smarter player who makes good decisions under pressure. Start implementing this in practice. Anytime you receive the ball, check your shoulder while it’s on it’s way to you. Over time, this will become habitual and will make you into a much better player.

If you want help developing skills like this that will take your game to the next level, we have a few spots left in our summer soccer academies. Our academies are the perfect complement to your school training as we help you prepare for your fall season, stand out at practice, and contribute on gameday.