PROGRESSION (IN DEFENCE)
There are various tests of heading
technique, and players should be practised in all of them.
Accuracy in heading is important but there are occasions
(mainly defending) when players just have to put their head
to the ball i.e. when they are the last line of defence -
on the goal line.
Practice 1 (Diagram 1)
(X) and (Y) defenders position themselves on the goal line.
(A), (B) and (C) are forwards attempting to score - they take
it in turns as they chip the ball at the target, varying the
angle.
N.B. Coaches should ensure the forward players chip the ball
at the goal initially, increasing the power of the shots when
necessary.
(X) and (Y) must clear the ball, (using head whenever possible)
and they should try and clear for distance.
Practice 2 (Diagram 2)
One player (X) stands two metres out from the goal line -
he has to head the ball out as three servers (A), (B) and
(C) lob the ball towards the goal
The servers should try and bring the best leap out of (X),
who in turn should try and head the ball over the servers
to (D) who acts as target.
The servers should make (X) move around the goal area, and
they should lob the ball high enough to always give (X) the
chance of heading the ball.
(D) can move around to try and assist (X's) clearance - and
(D) should also attempt to read the direction of the header
once the service has been thrown.
Players can exchange roles.
Practice 3
To bring all four or three defenders into the practice, they
should all be positioned just in front of the 6-yard area,
with outfield players all serving from various distances -
NO GOALKEEPER (diagram 3).
The servers should all attempt to score, and it is up to
the defenders to try and clear for distance.
Diagram 3
Positional play, and decision making by the defenders is
important.
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