Checking Shoulder on a Breakaway

By taking a quick look over your shoulder, you will see where defenders are coming from and how far they are. Knowing this information you will not rush your shot and this will greatly increase your chance of scoring. 

Key Points:

1. Make sure you can dribble properly! Click here and watch our Online Soccer Academy video titled "How to Dribble a Soccer Ball" for tips. 

2. Check your shoulder when the ball is in front of you a few steps. Don't look behind you when the ball is right at your feet, this is when you need to be looking at the ball. 

3. Look for defenders and teammates when you check your shoulder. If a defender is coming from your left, you know you can move towards your right to create more time for yourself. 

Equipment Needed: You need a ball and two cones. 

Exercise Player Can Do: 

An exercise we can do to practice. Set up two cones far apart from each other. Dribble to a cone using good dribbling at speed technique, which means you should be taking a touch every 3-5 steps. As you are dribbling and the ball is out in front of you check your shoulder. Do this 2-3 times between the cones. Repeat the exercise a few times and go until you are tired or feel comfortable. 

What Player Could Be Doing Wrong: 

If you are taking a bad touch when you check your shoulders then you are looking at the wrong time. Don't look behind you when the ball is at your feet. That is when you need to look at the ball. Check your shoulder when the ball is out in front of you a few steps. 

If you are getting dizzy and don't know what's going on in front of you, you are checking your shoulders too much. On a breakaway for example you only need to check your shoulders once, maybe twice. So don't hurt your neck and check your shoulder 10 times on a breakaway! 

Bonus Tip:

Watch top pros on breakaways and if you look closely you will see them checking their shoulders! Doesn't matter whether you are a top pro or 15 at a small club, you can check your shoulders!

This Video Covers:
Checking Shoulder on a Breakaway - Soccer Dribbling Drills - Soccer Dribbling Skills - Soccer Dribbling - Soccer Dribbling Training - Soccer Dribbling Techniques - Dribbling Drills Soccer - Soccer Speed of Play Skills- Soccer Speed of Play Drills