AGAINST OPPOSITION

Players have to become accustomed to the competitive element when jumping to head the ball. In match conditions they invariably have to leap either above opponents or with opponents and providing early practice is essential.

Here are some practices: -

Practice 1

Three players (A), (B), and (C), one ball, all moving around an area something similar in size to the penalty area.

Diagram 1

In diagram (1), (A) throws to (B) who heads the ball to (C). (A) after serving moves quickly and attempts to intercept (B)'s header.

(C) has to try and control the ball and make a return pass to (B) without (A) gaining possession.

Practice 2

The same three players standing as in diagram 2



(A) throws to (B), but this time (C) is in front of (B).

(A)'s serve has to be aimed at (B), nevertheless (C) has to jump and at least make it more difficult for (B). (C) should try and head the ball if possible. Should (B) head the ball then he has to try and aim his header to (A) who has moved quickly to (A2).

Practice 3

5 players, and one server with footballs.



Conversely (A) can move to the goal side of (B), (C) and (D) and so become a defender. In this instance he must be encouraged to head for distance - once again the other 3 players remain stationary.

Practice 4

3 attackers (1 serving) 1 defender, 1 goalkeeper.



(S) serves to either (A) who runs in late on the far post or (B) who operates in the near post area.

(D) the defender has to mark both to try and prevent a header at goal.

The accuracy of the service is important, and (A) must start his run at the right distance to at least occupy (D)'s attention (B) operates anywhere in the near post area keeping (D) aware of his threat.