Header Relay

Objective

• -Wake up heading technique
• -Move and react quickly
• -Build rhythm before the main session

Setup

1. 1Set two cone lines five yards apart.
2. 2Split into two relay teams.
3. 3Place one feeder with a ball at each end.

How to play

1. 1First player jogs to the middle and receives a gentle toss.
2. 2They head the ball back and sprint to tag the next player.
3. 3The next player repeats straight away.
4. 4After one round, change the toss height and direction slightly.
5. 5Keep it sharp and well organised.

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

• -Turning it into a race only
• -Throwing the ball too high
• -Head up without setting the body