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Heading in Midfield

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Exercise Objectives:
 This practice is designed to improve defensive and offensive heading techniques in the midfield third.
 
Field Preparation
    Large group of players
    Half Field
    Cones or Flag poles
    Supply of  Balls
    Colored Bibs
 
Coaching Pointers:
Two groups of four players are positioned in the middle third of the field. Mark the middle third with cones. One group acts as defenders, the second as attackers. Two servers are placed in the six-yard box. The servers alternate playing long lofted passes into the middle third of the field.

The object of the practice is for both groups to challenge and win the header. The defensive team must head the ball back towards the servers and past the cones to win a point. The offensive team must try to “flick” the ball over the defenders and past the end cones to win a point. Change roles of groups so each group practices defensive and offensive heading.

 The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:

  • Ensure that the server delivers quality high lofted passes into the middle third.

  • 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.

    Defensively:

  • 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 with height and distance.

  • Do not tilt the head too far back or the ball will skim from the head.

    Offensively:

  • Time your jumps carefully.

  • On the approach to the ball, the player must slightly arch the back and tighten the neck muscles.

  • Contact is made with the top part of the forehead and below the horizontal mid-line of the ball. 

    The ball should be redirected with just a small part of the ball glancing off the forehead.

    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. 






Click here to download the complete Heading Manual.