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Tempo Attacking Header Target

Direct headers downwards towards goal

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Direct headers downwards towards goal. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Technical Practice
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Full Squad
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Quick 10 Minutes
Goals Needed
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Tempo

Age

Under 12 to Adults

Duration

10 min

Players

3-14

Area / pitch size

30 x 24 yards

Difficulty

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Full Goals

Coaching focus

Direct headers downwards towards goal

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 30 x 24 yards area.
  2. 2Set a visible timer or have an assistant count aloud from the side of the area.
  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 clock starts the moment the first pass is played in.
  5. 5The sequence must reach the end action inside eight seconds or the rep is void.

Coaching points

  • -Meet the ball at the top of the jump
  • -Head down towards the corner
  • -Arms used for balance, not leverage
  • -Pass with pace and intent — under-hit passes cost the clock

Progressions

  • +Cut the clock to six seconds
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Stretch the clock to twelve seconds
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Reps finished inside five seconds score double
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Heading up and over the bar
  • -Excessive repetitions
  • -Slow, sideways passing that burns the clock

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