How to Think Faster on the Field

Learn how to think faster on the field by using this Speed of Play - Soccer Drill.
This soccer drill will help you increase your speed of play to make you a better player. 

In our previous speed of play videos we taught you how to check one shoulder to increase your speed of play. 

Now we are making it more challenging by checking both shoulders. We check our shoulders before we receive a pass so we can see if a defender is closing us down, where your open teammates are, where the space is or maybe the goalie is out and you can shoot. 

The best players have 3-4 options on each play and they know those options prior to receiving the ball because they check their shoulders. Make it a habit! 

Key Points:

1. Angle your body as you check to the ball. Turn sideways so you can see more of the field. If the ball is with the fullback, stand like this. Not this. 

2. Before your teammate makes a pass check your shoulder facing your defensive third and look around you. Don't turn your head in a circle, just look as you naturally would when you turn your head. 

3. As the ball is coming to you, check your shoulder facing your attacking third. This should be a big look so you see the entire field. Make sure you look up, not down at the ground. 

4. Don't wait until the ball is right on top of you to check your shoulders. Do it earlier when the ball is in route so you have time to look at the ball again before it's at your feet. Even the best players still need to look at the ball when it's time to control it. 

Equipment Needed: 

A ball, two cones and wall or a fence. If you don't have a fence you can use a partner. 

Exercise Player Can Do: 

Pass the ball off the fence. As the ball starts to come back to you check both of your shoulders then either turn and go forward or take a touch and pass it back to the fence and pretend you have a man on situation. 

For turning and going forward just dribble 10 yards and turn around. 

Repeat this exercise for a few minutes. Then rest and repeat again. 

What Player Could Be Doing Wrong: 

If you are taking a bad touch consistently and feel like you can see the ball before it gets to you then you are checking your shoulders to late. Do it earlier. Don't look away from the ball when you take your touch. 

On the first shoulder check don't turn your head in a circle. You only need to look with a natural turn because when you take a look over your forward shoulder you will see the rest of the field.

Bonus Tip!

Do this exercise and our other Speed of Play exercises on a regular basis. Make it a habit to check your shoulders and it will greatly increase your level of play. 

It will feel like the game has slown down for you because you always know what to do prior to getting the ball. 

Next time you watch a pro game, watch the top pros prior to them receiving a pass and you will see them checking their shoulders. 

Doesn't matter whether you are 25 making millions playing for Manchester United or 15 playing for West Idaho United, you can check your shoulders and have great speed of play!

This Video Covers:
How to Think Faster on the Field - Soccer Speed of Play Skills- Soccer Speed of Play Drills - Soccer Drills for Kids - Soccer Training Drills - Youth Soccer Drills - Soccer Practice Drills- Drills for Soccer