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Receiving the ball side-on so you're already facing partially up the pitch, ready to play forward or turn quickly. Better than receiving flat-footed with your back to goal. Players who check their shoulder before receiving can set up half-turns and play faster. It's a small thing that separates players who keep attacks moving from those who have to stop and turn.
Toni Kroos was a master of the half-turn - he'd check over his shoulder, receive on the half-turn, and immediately play a forward pass, never wasting a touch or losing momentum in Real Madrid's build-up.
Robbie
Jan 24, 2026
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