Turn - How to Increase your Speed of Play

This soccer exercise works on communication and speed of play in soccer. You will need a partner for this soccer exercise. If you don't have a partner then use a fence as your partner. 

Should you communicate with your teammate when you pass them the ball? Yes! One thing you can say is "Turn". Turn means there are no defenders and you have time and space to turn and go forward. 

Lets say there are thousands of fans in the stands and you can't hear your teammate say "Turn" or they just don't say it all. Then how do you know what to do with ball before you get it? You check your shoulder and look behind you as the ball is coming to you. 

When you check your shoulder you are looking for defenders, attackers, space, runs, maybe the goalie is off their line, etc.

Key Points:

1. Angle your Body to see the field
2. Check your Shoulder
3. Receive Pass on Forward Foot, not your Back Foot
4. Take a bigger touch a few steps ahead of you; don't take a small touch 

Equipment Needed: Ball, Partner, three cones

Soccer Exercise Player Can Do: 

Set up three cones. One cone for person passing the ball. Second cone about 10 yards away angled forward for the player receiving the pass. Third cone is about 10 yards straight ahead of the second cone. Player receives pass, turns and dribbles to top cone attacking the space. Then do a pull back, pass back to teammate jog back and repeat. Player receiving pass works for 5-7 passes and then switches. After each player has gone, switch cone to other side to use other foot. Repeat as many times as you would like. 

What Player Could Be Doing Wrong: 

If you are not seeing the field when you check your shoulder you are probably checking your back shoulder, not your forward one. When good enough you will do both. But for now just look over the forward shoulder, so you can see the entire field. 

If the ball is running across your body and you are missing it when you take your touch it is because you are turning your body to face the field to early and then trying to take your touch. Make your body like a fence, touch the ball forward and after your touch is ahead of you then turn your body to run forward. 

Bonus Tips: 

When you check your shoulder don't just look down at the ground when you look behind you, make sure you can see the field. 

Watch the best pro players on TV and watch their heads as they move across the field. You will see them checking their shoulders! 

This Video Covers:
Turn - How to Increase your Speed of Play - 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