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Practise at home ยท U12 to adult

Header technique with a parent

A parent tosses a soft ball and you head it back with your forehead, eyes open. Technique only, few repetitions: heading guidance for young players limits it.

U12 to adultAges
1 (or with a parent)Players
4 x 4 mArea
2 to 5 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

  • A space about 3 x 3 metres is enough: a hallway, patio or garden.
  • Clear the space of anything breakable, and have an adult nearby for younger players.

Equipment: A soft or light ball

How it works

  1. Parent tosses a light ball from close range.
  2. Head it back with your forehead, eyes open, mouth closed.
  3. Only a few headers, then rest.

Coaching points

  • Forehead, not the top of your head.
  • Use your neck and body, not just your head.
  • Eyes open.

Three levels

  • Easy: 5 headers
  • Harder: 8 headers
  • Hardest: 10 headers

Remember: Forehead, eyes open

Good for these positions

Centre-backStriker (number 9)

Make it easier

  • Catch it first, then head from your own hands.

Make it harder

  • Move your feet to the toss before heading.

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

Questions about this drill?

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