HEADING FOR DISTANCE
Stage 1
When heading for distance the player has to 'attack' the
ball and has to have the correct movement if he is to be successful.
Usually a starting position is for the player to remain unchallenged
as he gets his co-ordination of movement into place as he
makes his approach to the ball.
Diagram 1
Diagram 1 shows the seven phases in the technique needed
to head the ball forward with some power.
(1) Run approach - crucial,
weighing up the height and pace on the ball
(2 & 3) The take off,
off one foot, using the arms for elevation
(4) Leap up, body arched back
ready to give power to the neck
(5) Neck powered forward to
allow the forehead to strike the ball
(6 & 7) After making contact
with the ball, the player tries to land on both feet
GETTING THIS TECHNIQUE CORRECT IS A KEY
ISSUE FOR COACHES, AND ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO
HEAD THE BALL AT THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE JUMP.
There are various practices from earlier sessions that can
be used but there are others that are solely for improving
heading for distance.
Diagram 2
Practice 1
In pairs (A) and (B) 10 metres apart, ONE BALL (diagram 2)
(B) throws the ball up as high as he wants, (A) has to judge
the pace and the height and then power heads it over (B)
As soon as he throws the ball (B) has to back pedal to try
and prevent (A's) header going over him
When (B) succeeds, the players change roles.
Practice 2
In pairs (A) and (B) with 2 target men (C) and (D) at least
20 metres away from (B)
Diagram 3
Once again (B) throws the ball up, and (A) has to head, at
least, the distance to either (C) or (D) before the ball touches
the ground (diagram 3).
So senior players could be heading 30 metres. COACHES
SHOULD ADJUST DISTANCES FOR JUNIOR PLAYERS.
This practice aims for accuracy as well as distance heading.
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