CONTROL SHOOTING PASSING DRIBBLING TURNING HEADING CREATE SPACE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING SUPPORT PLAY GOALKEEPING CROSSING TACKLING THE THROW IN ATTACKING SET PLAYS DEFENDING SET PLAYS THE FREE KICK

HEADING

Please select a subsection from the topics below :

A basic introduction    Progression   Progression II    Progression III   Progression IV    Going for accuracy    Against opposition    Progression (defence)    Control    Heading for Goal    Practices for Heading    Practice for Heading II    Conditioned Games (Control)    Attack v Defence   Conditioned Games     Heading for Distance   Skilled Touches (Heading)

PRACTICES FOR HEADING

Heading skill only comes with practice, and coaches can make it more entertaining for the players by introducing practice games, or competitions. Here as some: -

Players in a circle (diagram 1)

Six players form a circle about 8 metres in diameter, with one other player in the middle.

The centre player throws the ball up and heads it to one of the players forming the circle, who heads it back, the centre man then heads it back to another player, and so it goes on.

Diagram 1

N.B. Once the full circle of headers is completed (each player heading back first time) then (X) is replaced by another player - preferably without stopping the practice. So in diagram (1), as (X) heads to the last man (F), then (A) moves quickly to replace (X) and continues round the circle.

N.B. The players should aim, at each one taking a turn in the middle without the ball touching the ground.

Changing places (diagram 2)

The players this time form a circle, with (X) joining the other six. The diameter of the circle is again around 8 metres.

(X) starts by heading to (C) on the opposite side of the circle, and immediately he heads the ball. (X) sets off to take (C)'s place.

(C) in turn heads to (F) then sets off to replace him, and so on. The purpose is for accuracy in heading - then getting the players in the habit of moving quickly as soon as they have played the ball.

Heading in lines facing each other (diagram 3)

Two groups of 3 or 4 facing each other, the two front men at least 5 metres apart. (Distances can be varied to capability).

In this practice (C) throws the ball up then heads to (D), after heading (C) sprints round to the back of the opposing column.

(D) heads back to (B) (who is now the front man) and then sprints to the back of the opposite column i.e. behind (A) and so the practice goes on.

As a variation the coach can place in a marker (Z for the A, B and C group) Y for the D, E, F group.

In this, (C) heads to (D) then has to sprint round the marker, before joining the back of the opposing column, while (D) after heading does exactly the same running round (Y) before lining up behind (A).