Developing Heading the Ball

Heading

Absolute Basics to Game Functionality

This page looks at heading from the Absolute Basics to Game Functional Heading ability.

 

There are 3 parts to consider :

1: Technique : This must be in place before moving onto parts 2 and 3 – Players will not hurt them selves when heading the ball if they use good technique

2: Game Functionality – looking at the different types of headers that occur in games

3: Drills to further develop heading ability

 

Part A1 : Heading Technique

Absolute Basics : Build Confidence

The technique of heading is not as hard as developming the technique of control and passing. So in theory it should be easy for players to head a ball, but it is not. This is largely due to a fear of the ball, probably developed instinctively (common sense says that if something hits your head it is going to hurt) or from a bad experience of heading the ball when first giving it a go.

There are lots of videos on you tube to help with developing heading technique. A few of the best ones are below. However this first video takes a step backwards towards the absolute basics.

The key to starting at this level is:

  1. Keep it painless and as comfortable as possible: Use the lightest softest ball possible.
  2. Reduce the variables. Initially take away the throw (which is commonly used in basic drills but actually makes learning hard. Often when children try to practice headers with a partner, the partner can’t throw the ball well enough to make the development of correct heading technique possible).
 

Part A2

Heading Technique 

Basics : Use a partner but start on the floor to build correct technique

This video has great ideas about developing the correct technique when heading.

 
 

Part A3

Heading Technique

This video is good in terms of going over the main coaching points to heading a ball

Eyes on the Ball
Use the forehead
Use the while body
Accuracy
Jumping into a header
Touches on defending headers

 
 

Part B

Game Functional Heading

Attacking
Defending
Power

 
 

Part C

Heading Drills / Warm ups

Fine Tuning Heading Technique

Part D : Fun Heading Games

But not really an option at team training (unless you have a the right equipment) but
are icluded here just to show how a basic topic like heading can be turned into a fun game.