Game version
Shoulder-check pairs: your partner shows fingers behind you, you peek over both shoulders before the pass and call the number.
Scanning Habit
Look over your shoulder before you receive so you know where to go next.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
A partner passes to you.
Core: Both shoulders. Beat your own count of correct calls out of 10.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Soccer ball, partner
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Passing & Receiving
The steps
How it works
- A partner passes to you.
- Before the ball arrives, look over each shoulder.
- Take your first touch toward open space.
- Do 20 reps.
Coaching point
Check your shoulders early and often.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Levels: Less (one peek), Core (both shoulders), More (peek, then turn to the open side). Beat your own count of correct calls out of 10.
Story
You are a spy checking for friends before you meet the ball: peek, then play.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own count of correct calls out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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