Many youngsters and other footballers are shy and afraid of any contact with the opposition. This may be more apparent and occur against some teams or cities where strong, aggressive play is more common or even accepted practice by their coaches. This is easily seen when players are seen slowing down and backing up when simultaneously a more aggressive opponent is charging towards a “loose ball”. This occurs more often with timid players, but can also be seen with stronger players when the opposing team intimidates them with more aggressive behavior. However, good soccer players are aggressive in the sense that they usually end up with a ball when facing another player; this does not mean, however, committing a foul on the opposing player.

The correct amount of legal aggression can be taught to all players with a certain drill called “The Shoulder Loading Drill”. This drill should not be considered as one that teaches illegal soccer play or exceptional roughness; but one that is within the fair rules of the game. The international source is FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), the LAWS OF THE GAME 2012/2013 state:

Law 12, page 113; FAULTS AND FAULTS:

charging an opponent

The act of carrying is a challenge to the space using physical contact within

playing distance of the ball without using the arms or elbows.

It is an offense to charge an opponent:

• carelessly

• upside down

• use excessive force

So, within the legal limits of the law, it is permissible to make contact with an opposing player using the shoulder; this can usually mean making shoulder-to-shoulder contact. But before discussing the exercise in more detail, I would like to introduce a bit of relevant history during my coaching experience with two stories:

Years ago, while organizing the Park Ridge NJ soccer league, I was approached by a middle-aged coach who was managing the local league team of an Under 10 team. It was the middle of the season and his team hadn’t won a single match. He also said that his players were not very aggressive in football. So, I decided that he would personally teach his players the shoulder loading drill. During the next two practices, I spent 25-30 minutes on the drill, working with each player as they went through the drill. About four weeks later, the same coach told me that his team had already won two games. He was happy and so was I. He attributed the victories to the new training exercise.

Years later, while managing and coaching a Portuguese RI men’s team with players from the Azores, our team lost the first four games, even though at the beginning of every game we were ahead by two or three goals, believe it or not. Our players were very skilled, but they were not used to any or much contact. They were also used to playing against teams with the same approach to the game. However, in this league, the teams were all American teams made up of players from other countries along with local players. The game was different in terms of contact, aggression and intimidation. Our players gave in to intimidation as the opposition soon realized this was the way to gain the advantage (perhaps the top foot).

After game four, I took each player to the side and worked them through the shoulder loading drill. One of those players stopped in the middle of the drill because he was surprised by my shoulder-to-shoulder contact; however, he shortly after he became aware of the technique. Surprisingly, the players adapted easily realizing that they, too, needed to show more determination. The results of this training from then on gave us the edge along with his superior skills and good conditioning. This appropriate aggression helped them win every game thereafter. Also, our team actually won the championship that season.

Now back to a description of the exercise. It’s pretty simple. The coach throws a ball in front of two players, each facing a line as if starting a race. Players must run after the “fumble” and shoulder each other to gain possession of the ball. After one wins it properly, the other player must now win the ball. At a distance of approximately 25 to 30 yards, the players should change direction and continue the drill toward the starting line. Please note that this drill is not a race nor does it show the dominance of any particular player. Consider this drill if your players seem to be shy on the field of play. A more detailed description of the drill can be found in complete soccer books or soccer drill books.

The intention of the drill can teach the legal amount of contact (or roughness) in soccer to weaker players; however, it also benefits other players. Most of the youngsters and other players are not aware that this is a strategy to gain control of the ball. It should also be noted that some amateur umpires may not be as familiar with legal contact with the shoulder and may classify the contact as an infraction. But this is not a reason to instruct players against using this technique: it is fair and within the laws of the game.

Players familiar with the proper use of this technique will be stronger, more confident and more skilled players. A fuller effect will be seen if, along with this exercise, good physical conditioning has been maintained; thus allowing players to maintain their strength throughout the game.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *