Gateway Headers

Objective

• -Head the ball through a target zone
• -Choose direction for a headed pass
• -Combine movement and accuracy

Setup

1. 1Set up three cone gates around the area.
2. 2Players work in threes with one ball per group.
3. 3One player is the feeder, two are moving targets.

How to play

1. 1The feeder throws the ball to a moving target.
2. 2The target heads the ball through a chosen gate to the other player.
3. 3The receiving player collects it and starts the next rep.
4. 4Players move to a new gate after each successful header.
5. 5Use both left and right side gates for variety.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Heading with no target in mind
• -Staying still before the throw
• -Trying to jump too high for a simple ball