| Heading Drill |
| By: Ian Barker
Provided by: Attacking Soccer - Human Kinetics Attacking-Head Tennis
Purpose: Getting players comfortable attacking the ball with their head as well as considering where they head the ball and the shape of their approach to the ball relative to the service and the direction they intend to head it Organization: Set up a playing area that is 35 x 15 yards (32 x 14 m) with a 5-yard (5 m) neutral zone. There are two teams of three players each who position in their halves of the area as shown. Each team has a server on either side of the neutral zone with a supply of balls. Use flags to mark the corners of the area. Procedure: 1. A server delivers the ball by hand to teammates who head at the opposing team's end line. 2. If the ball crosses the end line below the height of the flag, a goal is scored. 3. The opponents must control the ball without using their hands and keep the ball in their area. Then the service goes to them. 4. If the ball can be headed back for a score from an opposing attacking header, a double goal is scored. 5. Service and runs can vary. For example, in diagram A, the player runs in a straight line to meet the ball and directs it where he is moving. In diagram B, the player makes a bent run to the ball as the ball is in flight longer and redirects it toward the end line. Key Points: • The primary objective of the activity is to give the players a lot of opportunities to head the ball in an attacking manner with direction and power, Frequency is ensured and the players develop comfort based on the speed and strength of the delivery. • The fundamentals of meeting the ball with the forehead with eyes open and heading the ball down can be repeated and immediate feedback given. |
