Exercise Objectives: This practice is designed to improve the mechanics involved when heading for distance.
Field Preparation 3 players Area 10 x 20 yards Cones or Flag poles Supply of Balls
Coaching Pointers:
Three players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 20 yards. One player is placed on each side of the grid with the server positioned in the center. The server starts the practice by throwing the ball for one of the receivers to head. The receiver heads the ball above and beyond the server to the player at the opposite side of the grid. The second receiver heads the ball back to the servers hands to repeat the practice from their side.
The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:
Ensure that the server delivers quality throws for heading.
Attack the ball; don’t wait for the ball to come to you.
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.
Immediately on impact, the player should swing the upper body forward quickly and make contact on the
ball with the center of the forehead.
The player should redirect the ball to the player with height and distance. Do not tilt the head too far back or the ball will skim from the head.
