Exercise Objectives: This practice is structured to improve the technical ability when "heading" the ball on the run. An emphasis is
placed on
"accuracy and power".
Field Preparation Large group of players Area 30 x 30 yards Full Size Goals and Goalkeepers Cones or Flag poles Supply of Balls
Coaching Pointers:
Goals are placed at each side of a grid 30 yards x 30 yards. A small group of players are positioned at each goal post. Attacking players receive the ball from the group opposite. The practice starts with the attacking player
running towards the goal. The server is the opposite group throws and under-handed serve for the attacker to head
at goal. If the attacker scores he is rewarded by returning to his starting position. If the attacker misses, he then becomes a server and the server runs to the opposite side to get in line to head the ball.
The coach should emphasize the following points:
Make sure the attackers receive good throws from the servers. Under-handed throws are preferred.
Don't serve the ball too close to the goal.
Players should aggressively attack the goal.
Attackers should get behind the flight of the ball. The player’s eyes should be fixed on the flight of the ball. On the approach to the ball, the player must slightly arch the back and tighten the neck muscles.
Immediately on making contact with the ball, the player should quickly swing the upper body and make contact on the ball with the center of the forehead. Further power can be achieved by pulling the arms back when making contact with the ball
Contact should be made above the horizontal mid-line of the ball.
This will direct the ball downwards.
When heading for goal, the ball should be headed down towards the goal line. The timing of the run must
be late, fast and aggressive.
