Heading Technique Practice

Objective

• -Head the ball safely with correct technique
• -Direct the header with the forehead
• -Build confidence attacking the ball

Setup

1. 1Pairs facing each other 4 yards apart.
2. 2One ball per pair, soft or size-appropriate balls.
3. 3Cones mark each pair's zone.

How to play

1. 1Server throws underarm, receiver heads it back from a standing position.
2. 2Progress to a small jump and then a moving header.
3. 3Ten reps each then swap.

Progressions

• +Add a jump and a light challenge
• +Head into a target goal

Regressions

• -Use a lighter or softer ball
• -Head from a seated or kneeling position

Variations

• -Defensive clearance headers
• -Attacking headers from a cross

Common mistakes

• -Closing the eyes at contact
• -Heading with the top of the head
• -Waiting passively for the ball