Understanding using your shoulder in soccer when is it allowed is crucial for players looking to legally gain an advantage in physical challenges. In the beautiful game, shoulder contact is permitted, but only under specific conditions defined by the Laws of the Game. It primarily involves fair shoulder-to-shoulder challenges while competing for the ball.
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Quick Answer
Yes, using your shoulder in soccer is allowed for a fair shoulder-to-shoulder challenge, provided the ball is within “playing distance.” You must keep your arms tucked in close to your body and avoid excessive or dangerous force. Using your shoulder to charge an opponent in the back or chest, or when the ball is nowhere near, is considered a foul.
The Rules of Legal Shoulder Contact
A legal shoulder charge, or shoulder tackle, must meet strict criteria set by referees. The ball must be within playing distance, meaning both players are close enough to realistically touch or control it. You cannot shoulder-charge an opponent simply to knock them over if neither of you is actively competing for the ball.
Additionally, the contact must be genuinely shoulder-to-shoulder. If a player charges an opponent in the back, the spine, or the chest, the referee will instantly whistle for a foul. Knowing these boundaries ensures you maintain fair play while using your physical strength effectively on the field.
Arms and Reasonable Force in Soccer
A key aspect of a legal shoulder challenge is the exact positioning of your arms. Your arms and elbows must remain tucked securely close to your body. Using your arms to push, hold, or extend into the opponent is an immediate foul and can lead to a yellow or red card depending on the severity.
Furthermore, players must always use reasonable force. Soccer is a contact sport, but sprinting at full speed to completely barge someone off the ball is considered dangerous and reckless. Referees assess the amount of force used during a physical challenge; if it is deemed excessive or careless, it will result in a foul, regardless of the shoulder-to-shoulder nature.
Handball Rules Regarding the Shoulder
It is also essential to distinguish between a shoulder challenge and a handball foul. According to the current Laws of the Game, the “shoulder” area ends at the bottom of the armpit. Touching the ball with the very top of the shoulder (near the neck) is entirely legal. However, if the ball strikes lower—on the upper arm or bicep—it can be penalized as a handball if the referee deems it deliberate or if it makes the player’s body unnaturally bigger. Below is a helpful video demonstrating these rules in action.
