Check Your Shoulder

Many coaches and trainers have been saying that phrase quite often but most are missing a ton of depth and nuance. As a result, we’re not correctly identifying this player attribute.

By far, most players [outside elite pros] you identify as ‘checking their shoulder‘ are doing it to see if there’s pressure nearby. By far, they are not scanning the field to assess what their next decision is – not to mention what 2 or 3 moves into the future could be. Focus on what space to attack (run or pass), body position/movement to receive, type of touch (away from pressure, pass or dribble) and most importantly, the technique (surface of foot etc) to execute the play.  

That, my friends, is truly ‘checking your shoulder‘. Those are details that matter and that’s what separates special from average. That's the difference is saying something and explaining something. 

Learning to ID these players who are next level takes a ton of experience. But at least now we’re aware there’s more to it than witnessing a simple head swivel, "check your shoulder!"