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Heading ยท U14 to adult

Heading accuracy to target zones

A server tosses a light ball and the player heads it to the target zone the coach calls. Accuracy over power. Follow heading guidance: no heading practice for U11 and below; U12 to U13 max 5 headers per player per session, U14 to U16 max 10.

U14 to adultAges
Groups of 3Players
10 x 10 mArea
5 to 8 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Two small target zones marked with cones, left and right.
  • Server 4 to 5 metres away; count each player's headers.

Equipment: Light balls, cones

How it works

  1. Server tosses underarm; coach calls 'left' or 'right' as the ball is in the air.
  2. Header to the called zone.
  3. Stop at the age-group limit and rotate.

Coaching points

  • Turn your neck to steer the ball.
  • Forehead contact, eyes open.
  • Small, controlled movement.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Call the target before the toss

Make it harder

  • Targets further away

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

Questions about this drill?

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A partner tosses a light ball underarm and the player heads it back into their hands. The safest way to learn correct technique. Follow heading guidance: no heading practice for U11 and below; U12 to U13 max 5 headers per player per session, U14 to U16 max 10.

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Defensive clearing header

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Attacking header from a served cross

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Flick-on header to a runner

A target player glances a served ball on into the path of a runner. Teaches the flick-on used from goal kicks and long balls. Follow heading guidance: no heading practice for U11 and below; U12 to U13 max 5 headers per player per session, U14 to U16 max 10.

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Jumping header technique

Players learn to take off from one foot and meet a tossed light ball at the top of their jump. Safe, unopposed technique for older players. Follow heading guidance: no heading practice for U11 and below; U12 to U13 max 5 headers per player per session, U14 to U16 max 10.

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Throw-head-catch game

A handball-style game where the ball moves by throw, then head, then catch, and goals are scored with a header. Fun practice of timing and placement with a light ball. Follow heading guidance: no heading practice for U11 and below; U12 to U13 max 5 headers per player per session, U14 to U16 max 10.

See the drill โ†’