Hook Turns In Soccer

How To Do A Hook Turn In Soccer

Learning how to do a hook turn in soccer is an essential skill that all players should learn. Hook turns enable a player to quickly change directions with the ball and escape pressure from an opponent. In this post, we will let you know how to do a hook turns, including inside hooks and outside hooks, and talk about what hook turns are good for. First, let’s take a look at what a hook turn is.

Related: The Drag Back Turn

Hook Turns In Soccer

What Is A Hook Turn?

A hook turn in soccer is a technique in which a player uses the inside or outside of their foot to ‘hook’ the ball to quickly reverse its direction. A hook turn which uses the inside of the foot is known as an ‘inside hook’, and a hook turn which uses the outside of the foot is known as an ‘outside hook’.

What Is A Hook Turn Good For?

A hook turn allows a player to quickly change the direction of the ball. As such, a hook turn is a great technique to escape pressure from an opponent and prevent the opponent from making a tackle.

What Is An Inside Hook?

An inside hook turn in soccer is a technique in which a player would use the inside of their foot to ‘hook’ the ball and move in the opposite direction. An inside hook can be used when a player wants to get away from a defender.

How To Do An Inside Hook

To do an inside hook, a player should protect the ball by placing their body between the ball and the defender. Then the player should use the inside of their foot to hook the ball making it go in the opposite direction. Next, the player can use both the inside and outside of their boot to dribble away.

What Is An Outside Hook?

An outside hook turn in soccer is a technique in which a player would use the outside of the foot to ‘hook’ the ball and move in the opposite direction. An outside hook is a useful technique to evade an approaching defender.

How To Do An Outside Hook

To perform an outside hook, a player should place their body between the ball and the defender and then use the outside of their foot to hook the ball and move it in the opposite direction. Once the player has hooked the ball and changed direction, the player can then dribble away.

Coaching Points

When first learning hook turns, players, especially young ones, will find it difficult to maintain their balance when quickly turning. Encourage players to focus on technique rather than speed when they first learn hook turns. Also, make players aware of the following coaching points:

  • Slow down as you approach the turn.
  • Use your arms to maintain balance as you turn.
  • Protect the ball by keeping your body between the ball and the defender.
  • After completing the turn, move quickly away into space.

Practice Drill

For a fun practice drill to practice hook turns, check out our King Of The Ring Drill.

Thanks for reading. I hope you found this post on hook turns useful. Before you go, don’t forget to check out our free soccer coaching drills and soccer session plans for more ideas for your next training session.