Defensive Heading Game

Exercise Objectives:
This is a great game to emphasizes "Defensive Heading".. It can be used as a fun warm up activity or incorporated into a session for defensive heading. The emphasis is on "distance, height and power". Players love to play this game!  

Four players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 10 yards, using one ball. The players are divided into teams of 2. The practice starts with 2 attacking players and (2 defensive players who are restricted to the middle zone). The attacking players attempt to head the ball over the 2 defensive players. Each time they head the ball over the defensive players they get a goal.
The players can head the ball from their own hands or head the ball back if they receive a good serve from their partner.

If the player heads the ball from their own hands and are successful, they get "one goal".

If they can return a header without catching the ball they get 2 goals. If their patner can return a header it's worth 3 goals etc...

If the players in the middle block, or catch the ball, they now switch roles with the attackers.

First team to score 5 goals wins the competition.

The coach should emphasize the following coaching points: 

• Get under the flight of the ball as early as possible for good balance.

• Remember to keep the head steady and eyes fixed firmly on the ball.

• The player should swing the upper body forward quickly and make contact on the ball with the center of the forehead. 

• The player should head the ball with height and distance.
• Do not tilt the head too far back or the ball will skim from the head.

Stand back and watch how much fun your players are having!