Signature Soccer Moves: The Shoulder Feint

A little acting can always help on the pitch and this misdirection move can help you advance past opposing defenders.

You’ve broken away with the ball from a pack of players, dribbling as fast as you can down the middle of the field. As you cross midfield, a defender from the opposing team comes charging at you. You lock eyes as you wrack your brain for a move to get by them.

This might be the right time for a little convincing acting.

There are a number of physical skills you can master to be a strong presence on the pitch. But one of the most effective ways to move past an opponent is the simple shoulder feint. This move can allow you to fake out an opponent to help your team progress down the field for a shot on goal. It can be highly effective in 1 v 1 situations.

HOW TO DO A SHOULDER FEINT

To begin the feint, shift all of your body weight to one side as you dribble toward your opponent. If they bite, they could follow suit and potentially lose their balance. Don’t shift too hard or fast though, or you could also lose your balance and, with it, control of the ball.

Once you notice your opponent starts to follow your direction, cut the opposite way with the outside of the foot from the direction where you just shifted. In other words, if you shifted to your left, cut away with your right foot. If you shifted to your right, then use your left foot.

Work on this as much as you can. The more your opponents buy into your shoulder feint, the more you have the power to change the game for your team.

Looking for even more signature soccer moves? Try adding the Zig Zag and the Rainbow Kick to your arsenal as well.