Overload 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 32 x 26 yards area.
2. 2Split the group so the attacking side always has one spare player, and park the spare bibs on the halfway cone.
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 spare player joins whichever side has the ball, so the attack always works with a plus-one.
5. 5A goal or completed end action counts double if the spare player touched the ball in the build-up.

Progressions

• +Remove the overload for the last two rounds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Give the attack two spare players
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Rotate the spare player every 90 seconds
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Heading up and over the bar
• -Excessive repetitions
• -Spare player standing still instead of offering an angle