Gafferbook
Heading ยท U14 to adult

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.

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

  • Server with balls in hand; header 5 metres away.
  • Soft grass; count headers.

Equipment: Light balls

How it works

  1. Take two steps, take off from one foot.
  2. Meet the ball at the highest point, head it back to the server's hands.
  3. Stop at the age-group limit.

Coaching points

  • Arms up for balance and protection (not elbows out).
  • Time the jump: go as the ball drops.
  • Land on both feet, knees bent.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Standing header first

Make it harder

  • Header to a target after the jump

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

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Heading technique in pairs (light ball)

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

Defenders head a served ball high, far and wide to a target zone. Teaches the clearing header that gets the ball out of danger. 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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Attacking header from a served cross

A coach serves a cross by hand and attackers head at goal, aiming down. Practises timing a run and the downward header keepers hate. 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†’

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.

See the drill โ†’

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.

See the drill โ†’

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†’