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.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Small pitch with goals; light ball.
- Count each player's headers and keep within the limit.
Equipment: Light ball, goals, bibs
How it works
- Sequence: throw to a teammate, who heads it to another teammate who catches.
- Score by heading into the goal from a teammate's throw.
- Break the sequence and the ball changes possession.
Coaching points
- Move to make yourself available.
- Head with control, not power.
- Players at their heading limit can only throw and catch.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Allow two catches in a row
Make it harder
- Smaller goals
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
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More heading drills
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.
See the drill โDefensive 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.
See the drill โAttacking 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 โFlick-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 โHeading 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 โJumping 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.
See the drill โ