Objective: In this prospective study, we established and evaluated an ultrasound technique to demonstrate anterior passive translation of the shoulder, using a new anterior approach. Methods: A preliminary in vitro study was performed, with anterior ultrasound scanning of a skeleton in a waterbath. Forty shoulders in twenty normal subjects were then examined with a 3.5 MHz linear transducer, using the same anterior approach. The anterior range of motion (ROM) was measured during passive anterior translation. Results: Anatomical landmarks were identified anteriorly on the humerus and the scapula, to define a scanning plane, in which ROM was measured to 1.8 ± 0.1 mm (mean ± S.E.M.) (range 0.4–4.1 mm). The difference in ROM between the two shoulders of each subject (Δ ROM) was calculated: 0.7 ± 0.1 mm (range 0.1–1.9 mm). Conclusion: The anterior translation of the shoulder can be assessed objectively, non-invasively and rapidly by ultrasonography. We found ROM to be less than 4 mm, and A ROM to be less than 2 mm. The interobserver variability of the method remains to be investigated, as is its usefulness in the diagnosis of chronic anterior shoulder instability.