Counter Attacking Header Target

Objective

• -Direct headers downwards towards goal
• -Time the jump to meet the ball at the peak
• -Keep heading volume within guidance

Setup

1. 1A near-post and back-post target zone in front of goal in a 34 x 28 yards area.
2. 2Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
3. 3Soft balls with the wide server, keeper in goal.

How to play

1. 1Server clips the ball to the marked target zone.
2. 2The striker attacks it and heads downwards into the goal.
3. 3Rotate after two headers each so volume stays low.
4. 4The team in possession starts each rep in their own half and must build forwards.
5. 5Turnovers earn a direct counter at the mini goals worth two points.

Progressions

• +Counter must be finished inside five seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Award the counter goal for simply carrying over halfway
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Swap the counter goals for a dribble-through gate
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Heading up and over the bar
• -Excessive repetitions
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on